England’s women’s cricket team recently made headlines during their tour in Ireland, where they played the second match of a three-match ODI series on September 9. After winning the toss, England’s captain Kate Cross opted to bat first, resulting in a dominant score of 320 runs. Ireland, in their chase, faced a historic collapse, falling for a mere 45 runs in just 16.5 overs. This victory by 150 runs marked not only a significant win for England but also a record-breaking moment in women’s ODI cricket.
A Historic Low for Ireland
While England celebrated a monumental victory, the margins also highlighted a troubling moment in Irish cricket history. Ireland’s total of 45 runs is now the lowest score ever recorded in women’s ODI cricket. The match commenced with England’s bowlers and right from the start, Ireland’s batters struggled to find their footing. Kate Cross opened the bowling and made a swift impact by dismissing Ireland’s captain Gaby Lewis on only her third delivery. This was quickly followed by the departure of Amy Hunter, who managed just 2 runs before being dismissed on the last ball of the first over.
Dominance of England’s Bowlers
The exceptional performance from the bowlers did not stop there. Kate Cross wreaked havoc with the ball, showcasing her skill and precision. She returned to bowl the third over and secured her third wicket by sending Orla Prendergast back to the pavilion. In an impressive display of bowling, Cross concluded her spell with figures of 3 wickets for just 8 runs across 4 overs, leaving Ireland reeling.
As the innings progressed, Ireland found themselves in deep trouble, losing 3 wickets for only 7 runs in the initial 3 overs. England’s fast bowler, Lauren Filer, continued the onslaught, claiming three further wickets—those of Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell, and Arlene Kelly—finishing with remarkable figures of 3 wickets for just 10 runs in 6 overs. By this stage, Ireland had lost 6 wickets for a paltry 24 runs.
The bowling attack was completed by Freya Camp and Georgia Davis, each taking 2 wickets and ensuring Ireland was bowled out for a dismal 45 runs. England’s bowlers not only executed their plans effectively but displayed a level of teamwork that left Ireland’s batting lineup in shambles.
Outstanding Performance by Tammy Beaumont
While the English bowlers secured the win, it was opener Tammy Beaumont who laid the groundwork for success during the first innings. Beaumont showcased her batting prowess, scoring an impressive 150 runs off just 139 balls, a remarkable feat that highlighted her ability to dominate the Irish bowling attack. Her innings played a crucial role in setting England’s formidable target of 321 runs, which ultimately proved insurmountable for Ireland.
