England is currently touring Ireland for a limited-overs series, which commenced on 7th September with the 1st of three ODIs in Belfast, followed by two T20Is in Dublin. England secured a comprehensive win in the second ODI, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
England elected to bat first, and the touring team posted a massive score of 320, courtesy of Tammy Beaumont’s unbeaten 150, which guided them to the big total. Chasing 321 was always going to be difficult for Ireland, who lost early wickets in the powerplay and never gained momentum as the English bowlers dominated, bowling Ireland out for 45, their lowest total in ODIs. With this, the visitors secured the series with a 2-0 lead.
Highlights from the match:
1) Tammy Beaumont 150* (139) (England)
The English opener played a pivotal role in England’s massive win over the hosts. Tammy got off to a cautious start and was involved in a 101-run stand for the fourth wicket alongside Freya Kemp, a partnership that stabilized England’s innings. Beaumont batted through the entire innings, scoring an unbeaten 150 off 139 balls, which included 16 boundaries and one six. She also surpassed the landmark of 4,000 ODI runs during this inning and for her stellar knock, she was awarded the Player of the Match.
2) Freya Kemp 65 & 2/7 (England)
Freya Kemp contributed all-round for her side in the second ODI against Ireland. With the bat, the left-hander came in when England was 113 for 3 and was involved in a 101-run partnership with Tammy Beaumont. Kemp played the aggressive role, scoring 65 off 47 balls, including 7 boundaries and 2 sixes at an impressive strike rate of 138.29. Later, with the ball, she picked up two wickets, first dismissing Una Raymond-Hoey for 22 by rattling her stumps, followed by trapping Jane Maguire LBW, finishing with figures of 2/7.
3) Freya Sargent 2/60 (Ireland)
Freya Sargent was the standout bowler for Ireland in this 2nd ODI against England. Her first wicket came when she dismissed Hollie Armitage for 19 and later removed Bess Heath for a two-ball duck, trapping her LBW, finishing with figures of 2/60.
4) Kate Cross 3/8 (England)
Kate Cross continued her imperious form in the ongoing ODI series. She claimed three wickets in the second ODI, running through Ireland’s top order. Cross provided the opening breakthrough by dismissing Gaby Lewis in the first over, knocking over her stumps. Amy Hunter followed soon after, trapping LBW in the same over. Orla Prendergast was also dismissed LBW for a three-ball duck as Cross finished with figures of 3 for 8 in her four overs.
