New Zealand completed a 3-0 Twenty20 series whitewash over Ireland after Glenn Phillips’s unbeaten half-century helped secure a six-wicket success following a gripping climax in Belfast.
James Neesham, who posted 23 from just six deliveries to add to Phillips’s knock of 56, stylishly wrapped up victory with his second six of the day as the Kiwis chased down 175 with only six balls to spare.
Daryl Mitchell also played a vital role for the Black Caps, contributing a 32-ball 48 before being caught and bowled by Josh Little to leave the tourists on 147 for four with little over three overs remaining.
But the Irish were unable to pull off a surprise win as Phillips, who also produced a match-winning 50 in the series opener, and Neesham dragged New Zealand over the line.
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Ireland had been propelled to 174 for six by their impressive lower order.
Mark Adair smashed 37 off 15 balls and Curtis Campher cracked an eight-ball 19 as the hosts registered 70 runs in their final five overs to add to 40 from opener Paul Stirling.
The unbeaten partnership of 58 from 23 deliveries between Adair and Campher gave Ireland momentum at the break.
Yet, despite an early stranglehold with the ball, they ended up suffering a sixth white-ball defeat against New Zealand this summer following a 3-0 loss in the ODI series.
