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Cricket is quickly gaining popularity among more and more people all over the world. New players keep adding to the arena, providing a variety in play. Michael Bracewell is one such new name that hooked the attention of cricketing lovers with his scintillating innings. The New Zealander demonstrated exceptional skills in the final over of the game to snatch victory for his side.
In the past, scoring at a run rate of over 6 was considered too difficult. The pitch conditions were neutral, and batsmen would prefer to play at a slower rate. However, things took a tremendous change in the last couple of decades. Today, even a run rate of 7 is considered achievable. At the same time, we get to see some low-score winning totals. However, scoring more than 20 runs in one over, especially in the last over when chasing, is something unbelievable.
That’s what Michael Bracewell did in a match against Ireland. The Irish side looked confident after their rugby team beat New Zealand in a match in Dunedin. The Irish cricket team threatened to repeat a similar win against the Kiwis. It appeared that the Irish sports would cherish a more memorable weekend by registering a victory against New Zealand in an ODI match. The team also seemed to be going well before the final over. However, the game changed suddenly in the last over. It came as a heartbreak for the Irish side as Michael Bracewell slammed the 20 required runs in the first 5 balls of the over.
So, the game that looked like an easy win before the final over for the Irish quickly became a nightmare. Michael Bracewell crafted a lovely unbeaten knock of 127 off just 82 balls. The batsman smashed two fours, one six and one four and one six in the 5 balls of the last over. As a result, the match ended in New Zealand’s favour with one ball and one wicket to spare.
Batting first, the Irish team set up a formidable total of 300. In reply, the Kiwis tumbled down and lost early wickets. At one stage, they were 122 for 5 in the 22nd over. The game looked in the favour of the Irish team that was bowling tight spells. Their fielding was equally impressive. So, things appeared too difficult for the New Zealand team. In such a scenario, Michael Bracewell, batting in his only fourth ODI, turned the tables in his team’s favour. He demonstrated that he carries immense batting potential and can pose the real threat to any side with his explosive shots.
Chasing 301, Michael Bracewell made important partnerships with lower-order batsmen and ensured that they got closer to the winning total. The batsman reached the hundredth mark (his first ODI century) in the 49th over. He got deadlier in the last over when the Kiwis needed 20 runs to win the match. Michael slammed two fours off the first two deliveries. Then he took a lofted shot for a six. As a result, the match became even for both sides.
The next two balls pulled an unusual win for New Zealand as Michael hit a four off the fourth delivery and a six off the fifth delivery. In total, he slammed 24 runs in just 5 balls. New Zealand’s 20-run chase in the last over is the most target runs chased by any team in an ODI. England’s Allan Lamb scored the previous highest score of 18 runs against Australia in 1987.
Michael Bracewell stats keep improving match after match. His unbeaten 127 off only 82 deliveries against Ireland highlights his cricketing potential. Let’s see what new records Michael Bracewell makes in the upcoming tournaments.
FAQs
Is Michael Bracewell a batsman or a bowler?
He is a batting all-rounder for the Kiwis.
Who is Michael’s father?
His father is Mark Bracewell, a former cricketer.
What is Michael’s favourite IPL team?
He likes Royal Challengers Bangalore.
