Gaby Lewis, Aimee Maguire inspire Ireland to historic triumph against England

Ireland v England, 2nd ODI, Scorecard

An inspiring bowling performance from Aimee Maguire followed by a fiery half-century from Gaby Lewis helped Ireland beat England in an edge-of-the-seat thriller in Belfast.

Two days after being handed a drubbing by 275 runs, Ireland were asked to bowl by England and Tammy Beaumont, fresh off a 150 not out in the previous game, once again took the Irish bowlers on for a half-century.

Once Jane Maguire saw the back of Beaumont, Ireland clawed their way back into the contest with 18-year-old left-arm spinner Aimee Maguire, who played the ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup last year, leading the way.

The younger Maguire sister snared her maiden five-wicket haul as England were bowled out for just 153, not completing the 22 overs that each innings was reduced to after the rain.

Skipper Gaby Lewis came out all guns blazing in the run-chase, smashing her way to a brilliant half-century off just 40 balls.

Ireland raced to 97 in just 13 overs with the loss of two wickets, and seemed well on course to overhaul the target before the dramatic final few overs,

Lauren Filer sent back Lewis and Leah Paul in the 19th over and then sent down another brilliant two-run over off the 21st to leave Mady Villiers six runs to defend in the final over.

A team hat-trick followed as Ireland slumped to 150/7, needing four off the final ball to win the game.

A nerveless Alana Dalzell strolled out to loft the final ball down the ground to the fence, aided by a misfield in the deep, to script Ireland's stunning win.

It is the first win by Ireland against England in women's ODIs since 2001, when they beat them in the Women's European Championship.

ICC Women's Championship 2022-25 Standings

Ireland, who recently stunned Sri Lanka with a series win, added a few more crucial points to the ICC Women's Championship table with the win, which also saw them level the series.

"It feels great I think the one thing about this team is that we always bounce back and that shows the character in the group," said Lewis after the game.

"We were hugely disappointed with our first two performances but to turn that around and come out with a win, we are delighted."

"We bat so far down, so I felt confident in our batters and Dalzell having the courage to go for it, that shows the team we are, and we're hugely thrilled with the win."

Picture Credits: Cricket Ireland