Ireland v New Zealand: Michael Bracewell scores a hat-trick as Hammer Kiwis host T20 series

Second Twenty20 international, Stormont: No New Zealand 179 -4 (20 overs): Cleave r 78*, Allen 35; Little 2-31, Young 2-34 Ireland 91 (13.5 overs): Adair 27; Bracewell 3-5, Sodhi 3-21 >Scorecard

Tourists saw Dane Cleaver hit an undefeated 78, with Finn Allen in making 35 of their total of 179-4.< /p>

Mark Adair and Craig Young took two wickets apiece for the hosts.

Adair then posted 27 late for Ireland, but spinners Ish Sodhi and Bracewell took three wickets apiece as Ireland were out for 91.

< p class="" data-reactid=".korbw0o20u.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-6">New Zealand won the match opener by 31 points and the teams return to Stormont on Friday for the final game of the series, with Ireland still looking for a first-ever victory against the Black Caps.

Ireland, seeking 180 wins, collapsed at 91 and were ll-goal-batted when off-spinner Bracewell knocked out tailenders Adair, Barry McCarthy and Young with successive deliveries just five balls away in his only over.

In doing so, he became the third New Zealand bowler to score a hat-trick at this level, following dressmakers Jacob Oram and Tim Southee.

Ireland, unchanged from the opener, won the coin toss and opted to go bowling, but the visitors had 44 runs on the board before their first wicket fell.

New Zealand were well into their rhythm on 123 when Craig Young took his second wicket, and the third on his side, before the fourth wicket fell with the tourists 171-4 and one more to play.

Ireland started their response strongly with Paul Stirling hitting 11 from the first over, before dropping for 21 to leave Ireland 23-1 after three overs.

The home team's wickets began to drop soon after, with Gareth Delany, George Dockrell and...