Issy Wong’s maiden international five-wicket haul inspired England to a comprehensive victory over Ireland in the second ODI as they clinched the three-match series with a game to spare in Derby.
Wong (5-33) recorded career-best figures for England as her five-wicket haul helped bowl Ireland out for 165 in 47 overs after the hosts inserted the tourists at the toss.
Maia Bouchier (45 off 31) top-scored for England as they cruised to their victory target of 166 with 27 overs to spare, Dani Gibson (36no off 22) sealing the emphatic victory with a six.
England’s victory secured an unassailable 2-0 series lead before the the teams travel to Worcester for Sunday’s third and final ODI, live on Sky Sports.
England clinch ODI series with game to spare
England inserted Ireland after winning the toss and struck after just 10 balls, with the razor-sharp Sophia Dunkley producing a direct hit to run out Alice Tector for three as she sauntered through for a single.
Wong claimed her first wicket in the 10th over, bowling captain Gaby Lewis as Ireland slipped to 33-2 at the end of the powerplay.
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England got off to a strong start in their second ODI against Ireland as Alice Tector was run out
Mady Villiers had a hand in England’s next two wickets, catching Orla Prendergast on the boundary off Freya Kemp before bowling the delivery that saw Rebecca Stokell hole out to Gibson at cover.
Amy Hunter led the Irish resistance with a gutsy 64 off 96 balls, sharing a 47-run partnership with Prendergast before adding 57 with Leah Paul for the fifth wicket.
But Wong ripped through Ireland’s middle order in a devastating spell as Paul, Louise Little and Cara Murray all fell within 19 balls.
Issy Wong’s maiden five-wicket haul for England inspired a series-clinching six-wicket victory over Ireland
Tilly Corteen-Coleman mopped up the Irish tail with the wickets of Jane Maguire and Kia McCartney at the start and end of the 47th over as Ireland set England a modest target of 166 for victory.
A 65-run opening stand between Bouchier and Dunkley laid the foundations for England’s chase before a calamitous mix-up between the opened saw Dunkley run out on 20 after hitting two fours and a six.
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A mix up between Sophia Dunkley and Maia Bouchier sees Dunkley run out for 20 in England’s second ODI against Ireland
Jodi Grewcock maintained England’s momentum at No 3 before Bouchier was caught off McCartney five runs short of her half-century.
England fell to 85-3 when Alice Capsey departed for one after being trapped lbw by McCartney, but they continued to score at will despite the loss.
A 47-run partnership between Freya Kemp and Gibson saw them home from 119-4 after Grewcock was dismissed, as England got the job done with a staggering 162 balls to spare.
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Dani Gibson’s six seals England the ODI series against Ireland.
Dean lauds ‘phenomenal’ England
England captain Charlie Dean:
“To win the game like that was phenomenal. To be clinical with the ball [than the first ODI] and then chase the score down, it was brilliant.”
Ireland ‘struggled to build partnerships’
Ireland captain Gaby Lewis:
“It is pretty disappointing. It was a trickier pitch to bat on this morning. Amy Hunter did well to stick in but we struggled to build partnerships and put the pressure on.
“England were more accurate and better in the field. We struggled to take that little extra risk – but we did take four wickets.
“Hopefully we can bounce back in the last game. You can’t get too down.”
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Issy Wong took Ireland by storm as she took five wickets in their second ODI
Wong hails Dean in England’s media team
Player of the Match, Issy Wong (5-33):
“I had a good chat with members of the staff and a really good chat with our media guy Dean, who really helped flip my mindset. So thanks, Dean!
“It is about doing what the team needs from me. At the moment, I feel like that is hitting the stumps as much as possible.
“I am using my wobble seam to help me do that.”
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Issy Wong reflects on her player of the match performance against Ireland which saw her take a staggering five wickets.
Farrant: Wong kept it simple
Sky Sports Cricket’s Tash Farrant:
“She alluded to me before today’s game that she was going to bowl the wobble seam ball to get a bit more consistency.
“She hit the same area every time, kept being simple. But you wouldn’t want her to lose that. The wobble ball is her stock ball, but the one that swings away is the one to go.
“Wong’s consistency was the most impressive thing today. I think that’s what she’ll be most pleased about. England are looking for someone who can back up Lauren Bell with the new ball.
“If Wong can continue to be that consistent, they’ll be a formidable pair going forward.”
England vs Ireland – ODI series results and schedule
All games live on Sky Sports; all times UK and Ireland
First ODI (Leicester) – England win by six wicketsSecond ODI (Derby) – England win by six wicketsSunday September 6: Third ODI (Worcester) – 10.30am
