WORCESTER, UK – Ireland Women have been defeated in their third match of the three-match One-Day International series against England, however, farewelling all-rounder Arlene Kelly and conceding the series 3-0.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Ireland thought they had an immediate breakthrough in the first over when Orla Prendergast beat the bat of Sophia Dunkley and hit her pad. While the umpires finger went up, Dunkley quickly signalled an appeal against the decision which proved a shrewd move as the TV umpire overruled the on-field decision.
The moment proved pivotal as Dunkley set about making the most of her good fortune, striking her second ODI century, ending on 119 from 119 balls, with 15 boundaries along the way.
Maia Bouchier (39), Dani Gibson (41) and Jodi Grewcock (35) all gave solid support to Dunkley, while the Irish bowlers struggled to counteract the English assault. Legspinner Cara Murray came away with a creditable 4-56, and there was a little ray of hope towards the backend of the innings where England fell from 260-4 to 291 all out within the space of six overs.
In reply, all top seven Irish batters got starts into double figures, but no one could emulate Dunkley and convert a start into a big score.
Once more, Amy Hunter impressed – her series returns with the bat were 62, 64 and 39 – but no one else passed 30 as the English bowlers chipped away with regular wickets.
While the series result was 3-0, there were some signs of positivity for the Irish camp. Alice Tector looked comfortable at the top with a patient 29, while the middle-order made contributions. Gaby Lewis may be the most frustrated today, though, as she looked positive and full of attacking flair with 16 off 17 balls, but a few balls after middling a sublimely-timed pull shot for four, she chanced her arm again only to top edge it to a running fine leg who took a remarkable catch from a shot that looked destined to be a maximum.
In the end, there was no fairy tale end to the script for the retiring Arlene Kelly and Ireland head home without any ICC Women’s Championship points, but perhaps with a point to prove when next they enter the field of play.
