England Women clinched a four-wicket victory against Ireland Women in the first ODI of the England Women tour of Ireland 2024 at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont. Kate Cross was the standout performer, both with the ball and with a crucial contribution in England’s chase. Her exceptional bowling display helped restrict Ireland to 210, and her vital 38 runs off 36 balls guided England to the win.

Kate Cross delivers a golden spell

Ireland Women, after electing to bat first, put up a respectable total of 210 runs before being bowled out in 46.5 overs. Orla Prendergast was the anchor for Ireland’s innings, scoring an impressive 76 off 87 balls, including eight fours and one six. Amy Hunter also provided solid support with a well-crafted 37 off 45 balls, while Leah Paul chipped in with 33 off 54 balls.

Despite Prendergast’s efforts, Ireland struggled to build consistent partnerships as England’s bowlers, led by Cross, who delivered a sensational bowling performance, taking six wickets for 30 in 9.5 overs. Her ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain consistent pressure on the Irish batters was key to England’s dominance. Cross dismantled Ireland’s batting order, ensuring they never gained momentum. Her sharp, disciplined bowling played a pivotal role in restricting Ireland to a manageable total, setting the foundation for England’s successful chase.

Lauren Filer and Hannah Baker contributed with one wicket each, while Ryana Macdonald-Gay also claimed a wicket to keep Ireland in check.

Also READ: IRE vs ENG 2024, Women’s ODI series: Broadcast, live streaming details – When and Where to watch in India, UK, Ireland & Pakistan

Hollie Armitage, Cross take England home

Chasing 211, England Women faced early setbacks as they lost openers Emma Lamb (4) and Tammy Beaumont (10) cheaply. However, Hollie Armitage stabilized the innings with a well-paced 44 off 44 balls, hitting six boundaries. Paige Scholfield (31 off 33) and Freya Kemp (26 off 19) kept the scoreboard ticking before Bess Heath (33 off 37) played a crucial knock in the middle order.

Cross once again proved her value, this time with the bat, as she contributed an important 38 off 36 balls to help England reach the target with 4.1 overs to spare. Cross’ calm presence at the crease, along with support from Mady Villiers (13 off 14), ensured that England maintained control of the chase, despite some late pressure from Ireland’s bowlers.

Prendergast was the pick of the bowlers for Ireland, taking two wickets for 27 runs in her six overs. Freya Sargent, Arlene Kelly, and Aimee Maguire also chipped in with a wicket each, but it wasn’t enough to stop England from securing victory.

Also READ: IRE vs ENG: England’s best playing XI for the ODI series against Ireland

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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