New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell breaks record for most runs chased in final over of ODI cricket

New Zealand were put in a spot of bother while chasing 301 runs against Ireland in the first ODI, but Michael Bracewell pulled it off with a stunning display of batting.

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell one of the most outrageous chases in the recent history of world cricket against Ireland on Sunday, 11 July. The left-handed batter helped his team chase down 301 runs in the first ODI vs Ireland. While the target, on the face of it does not look threatening at all, but it was for New Zealand, who were once reduced to 120/5 in the 22nd over of the game.

Bracewell, walking in the middle had a lot to do if the visiting side was to win their first ODI against a spirited Irish side, who had given tough competition to India in the recent days, albeit in the shorter format of the game.

A steady chase from the left hander brought him up to 49 off 50 balls at the 40th over, but NZ still needed 101 runs in the final 10. With wickets falling on the other end, Bracewell shifted gears and took on the Irish attack and brought them to 20 needed from the final six balls.

Bracewell, who had kept the strike in the final over of the game, went 4, 4, 6, 4, 6 in the first five deliveries to chase down the most number of runs in the final over in the ODI format.

Barcewell surpassed New Zealand’s 20-run chase against Sri Lanka back in 2013. Bracewell finished with 127* off just 82 balls at the end of the game, winning NZ the game by the margin of one wicket and just one ball remaining.