Wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow equalled the record for England’s fastest ODI fifty and guided the hosts to a second consecutive victory over Ireland to clinch the series.
England followed up their emphatic win at the Rose Bowl on Thursday (July 30) with a less assured four-wicket victory on Saturday as they chased down 213.
The third and last match will be played at the same venue next week with the visitors now 0-2 down.
South Africa-born Curtis Campher (68) impressed once again as he helped the Irish side to cross 200, with leg-spinner Adil Rashid taking 3-34.
Curtis Campher has back-to-back half-centuries!
What a start to his international career. #ENGvIRE | #BackingGreen ☘️ pic.twitter.com/csBejbzBtt
— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) August 1, 2020
In reply, Bairstow reached his half-century off just 21 balls, equalling captain Eoin Morgan’s record, before eventually falling for 82 from 41 deliveries in a knock that contained 14 fours and two sixes.
The joint-fastest ODI fifty for England… 🔥
Leads us to another series victory 👏
Full highlights 👇
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 1, 2020
After Bairstow’s dismissal, England promptly lost the wickets of Morgan and Moeen Ali for ducks, suddenly started to struggle with the score reading 137-6.
But the two stars of the first match, Sam Billings (46 not out) and David Willey (47 not out), again came to the fore and got the World Champions over the finish line with 17.3 overs to spare.
Ireland were bundled out a paltry 172 in the first ODI, though skipper Andrew Balbirnie still opted to bat after winning the toss.
Once again Irish top order failed to fire, as Willey (2-48) followed up his five-wicket haul last time out by removing both the openers, while James Vince’s medium pace surprisingly accounted for Balbirnie (15).
Rashid then took centre stage for England, bamboozling Kevin O’Brien (3) with a googly before both Harry Tector (28) and Lorcan Tucker (21) fell to the wrist-spinner.
Campher once again had to make the best of a bad situation and in process, he completed his second ODI fifty featuring eight fours.
Simi Singh and Andrew McBrine contributed 25 and 24 respectively, while England left-arm paceman Reece Topley claimed his first international wicket after 1,599 days on the final delivery, with Ireland ending on 212-9.
1,597 days since he last wore the shirt 🦁
Determination and dedication 💪
Well bowled, Reece Topley 👏
Live score/clips: https://t.co/adTn6YbszF pic.twitter.com/VAv6z5l6To
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 1, 2020
