Who is New Zealand's 31-year-old all-rounder Michael Bracewell?
New Zealand have already sealed the three-match ODI series against hosts Ireland, taking a 2-0 lead. In both matches, Michael Bracewell chipped in with terrific returns to be adjudged Man of the Match. The 31-year-old has shown plenty of character in this New Zealand side since making his international debut in 2022. Here we present the key details of Bracewell.
Why does this story matter?
Two successive match-winning outings for Bracewell will serve his confidence. He has shown his experience and the Kiwis will be excited to have a player of his caliber. He is seen as a vital finisher in that lower-middle order and can bowl quality overs too. An able all-rounder, Bracewell will hope to build on his outings.
How did Bracewell perform in the first ODI?
NZ were 153/6 after 30 overs in the first ODI, chasing 306 runs. It was Bracewell, who took the game under his wraps and sealed the deal. Bracewell started pretty slowly, but picked up the pace. He smoked a six over long-on to help NZ chase down 20 in the final over. He ended with an 82-ball 127*, hammering 10 fours and seven sixes.
His performance in the second ODI
Ireland were bowled out for 216 in the second ODI and Bracewell played a key role with the ball. He finished with figures worth 2/26 from his 10 overs, including a maiden. Chasing 217 runs, NZ were 149/5 when Bracewell entered the scenes. He went on to smash an unbeaten 42 from 40 balls. He slammed three fours and three sixes.
Decoding the ODI and Test stats of Bracewell
In five ODIs, Bracewell has scored 173 runs at 86.50. He made his debut in March against the Netherlands. The right-arm spinner has claimed seven wickets at 23.42. Bracewell also made his Test debut versus England in June. In two matches, he has 96 runs at 24.00, besides claiming five scalps as well at 57.00.
His numbers in FC cricket
Bracewell has been handed an international call-up late in his career but he has plenty of experience riding in First-Class cricket. In 98 FC matches, he has scored 5,358 runs at 33.07. He has smashed 11 tons and 22 fifties for his side Wellington. With the ball, Bracewell has claimed 32 scalps at 49.00. He has one five-wicket haul.
Numbers in white-ball cricket
In 114 List A matches, he has scored 3,424 runs at 34.24. He has slammed three tons and 26 fifties. He has picked up 30 List A scalps at 31.10. In 101 T20 matches, he has scored a total of 2,171 runs at 31.92. He has one ton and 12 fifties. With the ball, he has claimed 19 wickets at 19.31.
Highest scorer in T20 Super Smash 2021-22
In the T20 Super Smash in 2021-22, Bracewell finished as the top run-scorer in the tournament. Playing for Wellington, he piled up 478 runs from 10 matches at 79.66. He registered one century and four fifties with the best of 141*.
