England Women beaten in final match to draw IT20 series with Ireland

England Women ended their tour to Ireland with a five-wicket defeat and drawing the IT20 series 1-1.

Needing seven for victory off the final over and then two runs from two balls, Christina Coulter Reilly hit the winning runs as Mady Villiers’ run-out attempt saw the hosts grab the win by five wickets. Villiers had taken two wickets in the final over but Ireland claimed the final run needed to secure the win.

The match wrapped up the England tour of Ireland, with the tourists winning the ODI series in Belfast 2-1, prior to the sides drawing a two match IT20 series 1-1 in Dublin.

Orla Prendergast top scored with 80 from 51 deliveries as Ireland reached their target of 170 with just one ball to spare.

A 79-run partnership between Prendergast and captain Gaby Lewis, who was eventually dismissed by IT20 debutant Ryana MacDonald-Gay set the platform after opener Amy Hunter fell for one off the fourth ball of the innings.

England earlier reached 169-8, with Tammy Beaumont hitting an impressive 40 from 34 balls.

Two quick wickets from Arlene Kelly saw Bryony Smith dismissed for 28 and Seren Smale falling for 10.

Georgia Adams hit 23 from just 15 deliveries as England ended their innings strongly.

The historic result was Ireland Women’s first IT20 victory against England Women and their first win at Clontarf in any format.

England captain Kate Cross: "It was brilliant game of cricket, Orla batted brilliantly to keep them in the game and to win it eventually.

"Hats off to Ireland, we knew they were going to come out hard after yesterday and they did that.

"We have come over with an inexperienced team and I am hugely excited about the performances over the last week or so. It's another good game of cricket that's gone down to the wire."

Kate Cross’ post-match audio is available to listen to and download here.

Ireland Women v England Women One Day International series fixtures

Saturday 7 September: Ireland v England first ODI, Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast – England won by four wickets

Monday 9 September: Ireland v England second ODI, Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast – England won by 275 runs

Wednesday 11 September: Ireland v England third ODI, Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast – Ireland won by three wickets (DLS method)

Ireland Women v England Women T20 International series fixtures

Saturday 14 September: Ireland v England Women 1st IT20, Castle Avenue, Dublin – England won by 67 runs

Sunday 15 September: Ireland v England Women 2nd IT20, Castle Avenue, Dublin – Ireland won by five wickets