England Women finish ODI series with last-ball defeat against Ireland

Ireland Women secured a consolation three-wicket victory over England in a rain-affected third and final ODI in Belfast.

The match was reduced to 22-overs per side after heavy rain in Stormont.

England, captained by Kate Cross had already sealed a series win with two wins in their first two matches.

With eight runs needed from the final over, Ireland lost three wickets in three balls to leave four runs required from the last ball which Alana Dalzell struck.

The hosts had earlier looked set to reach their target, needing 18 from the final three with eight wickets in hand.

Mady Villiers bowled the final over which saw Una Raymond-Hoey run out before Alice Tector and Jane Maguire were dismissed.

Openers Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis led well for Ireland, recording a combined 90.

England batted first and were 153 all out. It was another good day for opener Tammy Beaumont, who struck 52 off 42 for England.

The tourist’s middle and lower order struggled to gain any momentum. Aimee Maguire shone for the hosts with 5-19.

The two teams now contest a two-match IT20 series in Dublin which begins on Saturday (14 September).

England captain Cross said: “Ireland fully deserved their win and deserve a lot of credit for the way they played.

“I am proud of the way the team stuck at it. Overall, we’ve earned a series win and qualified for next year’s ICC Women's Cricket World Cup so we’ve achieved what we set out to do.

“There are areas of the game we can improve on. There are a number of factors which contributed to the result but we still got really close so there are good things to take from it as well.”

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

Sunday 15 September: Ireland v England Women 2nd IT20, Castle Avenue, Dublin