Belfast

A superb half-century from Dane Cleaver and a hat-trick by spinner Michael Bracewell helped New Zealand crush Ireland by 88 runs in the second T20I on Wednesday.

The visitors have now clinched the three-match series 2-0.

New Zealand put up a challenging 179/4 in their 20 overs. Dane Cleaver's unbeaten 78 off 55 balls powered the batting effort of Kiwis, with Finn Allen making another notable contribution with 35.

Medium pacer Josh Little was the pick of the bowlers for Ireland, taking 2/31.

The chase of 180 runs was nightmarish for the hosts as wickets kept tumbling for them regularly.

The batters could not get a breather from the web spun by spinners Sodhi (3/21) and Michael Bracewell (3/5). The latter took a hat trick, becoming the third NZ bowler to do so after Jacob Oram and Tim Southee.

Ireland was bundled out for just 91 runs, with Mark Adair (27) and Paul Stirling (21) scoring the most for their side.

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Cleaver was adjudged as the Man of the Match.

The third match of the series will be played on July 22.