Paul Stirling (142) and Andrew Balbirnie (113) smashed game-changing tons to script a memorable seven-wicket victory for Ireland over the current ODI World Champions, England, in Southampton on Tuesday (August 04).
In chase of a target of 329 – almost same score Ireland had chased down during the 2011 World Cup – the visitors managed to build a 214-run stand between skipper Balbirnie and Stirling in the final game of the three-match ODI series.
This also marks the highest run chase accomplished by a visiting team in a one day international against the Three Lions in England, overtaking India’s NatWest Trophy final triumph back in 2002.
Highest successful chase vs England in England:
- 329 by Ireland, Rose Bowl in 2020
- 326 by India, Lord’s in 2002
- 322 by Sri Lanka, Leed in 2006
- 317 by India, The Oval in 2007
Highest target chased by Ireland
- 329 v England, Rose Bowl 2020
- 328 v England, Bengaluru 2011
- 307 v Netherlands, Kolkata 2011
- 305 v West Indies, Nelson 2015
Stirling was run out for 142 in the 42nd over and Balbirnie holed out for 113 with 50 still required off 33 deliveries, but Kevin O’Brien – the hero of Irish win in Bangalore nine years ago – fittingly secured a victory for his side on the penultimate ball. The visitors grabbed 10 crucial points in the ICC World Cup Super League with this memorable win over England.
Defeat in the final over 😕
Congrats @IrelandCricket 👏
Scorecard/clips: https://t.co/iWz8HBGPG6 pic.twitter.com/J2yZRCgH7i
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 4, 2020
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, England had stuttered to 44-3 but Eoin Morgan’s 106 from 84 balls was the cornerstone of 328 all out in 49.5 overs, the captain sharing a 146-run stand with Tom Banton (58).
England won the series 2-1 but Balbirnie took pride in the fact his team can now boast victories over the world champions in two limited-overs formats, having toppled the West Indies in a T20I in January this year.
“We’ve beaten the T20 world champions in their own backyards and we’ve beaten the ODI champions,” Balbirnie said after the match.
“It’s a huge win for us and this group. For the young guys to be involved in this series but to also be involved in a win like that is special and one we’ll remember forever.”
“Hopefully we’ve given the kids and the young generation a bit of a boost and something to strive towards,” he added.
Brief scores:
England 328 in 49.5 overs (Eoin Morgan 106, Tom Banton 58; Craig Young 3-53) lost to Ireland 329/3 in 49.5 overs (Paul Stirling 142, Andrew Balbirnie 113) by seven wickets.
