Smith hits half century as England Women earn victory over Ireland in Dublin

Bryony Smith hit a half century as England Women secured a 67-run win over Ireland in their first IT20 at Castle Avenue, Dublin.

On her first England appearance in two years, opener Smith struck 58 off just 30 balls while debutant Charis Pavely took three wickets (3-19) and Issy Wong (2-14).

Seren Smale, Georgia Adams and Pavely all made their full senior international debuts, while Paige Scholfield earned her first IT20 cap.

After Smith’s blistering start, debutant Smale scored 25 before England went from 112-1 to 116-4 but Mady Villiers scored an important 35 from 15 to regain some momentum, the tourist’s eventually finishing on 176 all out off the final ball of the innings.

Aimee Maguire starred for the hosts once more (3-30) after taking 5-19 in Wednesday's ODI while Freya Sargent recorded the same figures.

Making her return from a side strain injury, England youngster Mahika Gaur took a wicket in the first over.

The impressive Wong took a couple of wickets, and her first international wicket since December 2022 was that of skipper Gaby Lewis while Orla Prendergast starred for Ireland with fifty off 32 balls with the hosts all out for 109.

The two teams are back in action tomorrow in their second and final IT20 match at the same venue.

Player of the match Smith said: "I am buzzing. It was a really good pitch and I tried to keep things simple. It felt good, I was seeing the ball well."

Bryony Smith’s 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