Ireland recorded a spectacular victory on Tuesday (August 04) as they conquered England for the first time in English conditions. The visitors defeated the hosts by seven wickets in the third One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match series by chasing down a challenging score of 329 at Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
Paul Stirling (142) and Andrew Balbirnie (142) were the chief architects as they stitched a 214-run second-wicket partnership to make sure the Irish side goes over the line. After the dismissals of Stirling and Balbirnie, veteran batsman Kevin O’Brien (21*) and Harry Tector (29*) sealed the game.
The victory was indeed special as It was Ireland’s first triumph on the English soil. Although England won the series, Ireland won hearts with their brilliant performance in Southampton.
Stirling was bestowed ‘Player of the Match’ for his brilliant 142-run knock, which included 9 fours and 6 sixes. Irish skipper Balbirnie also played a key role in the run-chase by smashing 113 off 112 balls, scoring 12 fours.
Earlier, England posted a humongous 328-run total on the board, thanks to captain Eoin Morgan’s magnificent hundred and crucial knocks from David Willey (51) and Tom Curran (38*).
Apart from Ireland’s splendid show, another thing which captured everyone’s attention was the Irish commentator Michael McNamee, who couldn’t control his emotions after the victory.
During the game, when O’Brien hit the winning run, McNamee failed to hold his excitement as he could barely talk.
“Ireland to win this match in Southampton. Kevin O’Brien, he’s hit the ball, and he’s got the run and Ireland have done it,” McNamee exclaimed in joy as Ireland registered a momentous triumph.
“Would you believe it? It’s Kevin O’Brien, the hero of Bangalore 2011. He is the hero again in Southampton in 2020. I can barely talk. They have done it again. They have beaten England on English soil. The world champions are beaten and another famous day in Irish cricket history,” McNamee added while expressing his excitement.
Here is the video:
We can't help but think that Michael McNamee might have enjoyed this moment!
😂
Read the report of Ireland's thrilling win 👉 https://t.co/8pQzehDdZv#bbccricket pic.twitter.com/qTckx1sMXA
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) August 4, 2020