DUBLIN – Ireland Women succumbed to a 67-run defeat at the hands of England in the first match of the T20I series.
Ireland went into the opening game of the two-match T20I series buoyed by a thrilling final-ball win in the third ODI in Belfast earlier in the week, but they weren’t able to capitalise on that victory against a clinical England performance.
After being put into bat by Ireland captain Gaby Lewis at the toss, England made a positive start as Bryony Smith (58 from 30 balls) and Tammy Beaumont (27 from 23) made 76 for the first wicket.
It was Freya Sargent who broke that partnership, dismissing the dangerous Smith with what was the first of three scalps for the spinner.
Spin proved crucial in reining England in as Sargent and Aimee Maguire both returned figures of 3-30 from their four overs. Aimee’s older sister, Jane, was the only seamer to take wickets, collecting 2-24 from her allocation.
Two run-outs, from Sargent and Jane Maguire, helped Ireland bowl out England for the first time in T20Is as the visitors finished on 176 all-out.
In response, Ireland found it tough losing three wickets in the powerplay. Charis Pavely then removed Rebecca Stokell, playing in her 50th T20I, leaving Ireland 37-4.
Orla Prendergast, meanwhile, looked to be playing an entirely different game, unfurling a series of glorious shots as she went on the counterattack.
Wickets kept falling at the other end though before Prendergast reached a fifth T20I half century, taking only 32 balls to do so.
The 22-year-old all-rounder fell soon after for 52. Ava Canning did her best to keep the attack going but without contributions elsewhere, Ireland came up 67 runs short. The two teams meet again at the same venue on Sunday for the final match of the series.
This series is proudly sponsored by Certa, a leading fuel and oil provider in Ireland.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Women v England Women, 1st T20I ODI, Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin, Ireland – 14 September 2024
England 176 (20 overs; B Smith 58, M Villiers 35; A Maguire 3-30, F Sargent 3-30, J Maguire 2-25)
Ireland 109 (18.3 overs; O Prendergast 52, A Canning 25; C Pavely 3-19, Wong 2-14)
England won by 67 runs
