England women’s cricket team are currently on tour in Ireland for three ODI matches and two T20Is. On her ODI captaincy debut, Kate Cross delivered an exceptional bowling performance, claiming a remarkable six-wicket haul. Scroll down to watch the video.
In the series opener, the first ODI in Belfast, England’s Kate Cross emerged as the standout performer, leading her team to a hard-fought victory. The all-rounder showcased her versatility with both ball and bat, playing a pivotal role in England’s four-wicket win over Ireland. Cross’s magnificent bowling spell set the tone for the match, while her impressive knock with the bat helped England chase down the target and secure their first win of the series. Her exceptional all-round performance earned her the well-deserved Player of the Match award, setting a high standard for the remainder of the series.
Ireland’s Captain Gaby Lewis won the toss and chose to bat first, thinking to put up a big total on the scoreboard and then put England’s batting under pressure by taking early wickets. However, England’s captain Kate Cross had other plans in mind.
Kate produced the first breakthrough for England in the form of Una Raymond-Hoey, dismissing her LBW in the first over of the innings. Then in the 31st over, she dismissed Orla Prendergast for 76 runs, with Filer taking the catch. After that, Cross in the death overs returned to the attack, in the 45th over, she picked up Arlene Kelly for just 12 runs, and then on the last ball of the same over, she bowled Jane Maguire for just 1 run.
Later, in her next over, the 47th, Cross took consecutive wickets on two balls by dismissing Alice Tector and Aimee Maguire, which helped her complete a five-wicket haul. This was her third fifer in her ODI career. Her bowling figures in this match were impressive: 6 wickets in 9.5 overs at an economy rate of 3.05.
A Cross-fire of wickets! 🎯
A 6-wicket haul, the 2nd best bowling figures for England and a captain’s knock to close the chase against Ireland — Kate Cross truly led by example! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3Vc6eHiETj
— FanCode (@FanCode) September 8, 2024
In the second innings, England’s openers were unable to give a stable start, losing early wickets. The middle-order provided resistance, but the team again lost a couple of wickets in quick succession. Kate Cross walked out to bat and, with Bess Heath, managed to build a solid partnership of 55 runs in 46 balls. Cross contributed an unbeaten 38 runs off 36 balls, which helped England chase down the target in just 34.5 overs to secure their first win of the series. For her exceptional all-round performance, Kate Cross was awarded the Player of the Match.
Now both teams’ eyes will be on the second ODI match that will be held on September 09, 2024, in Belfast. England will try to continue their winning momentum, while Ireland will attempt to come back stronger in the second match after the setback they experienced in the first ODI.
