Third ODI, Belfast
England 153 (20.5 overs): Beaumont 52 (42); A Maguire 5-19
Ireland 155-7 (22 overs): Lewis 72 (56); Villiers 3-30
Ireland won by three wickets (DLS method)
Ireland overcame a chaotic batting collapse to earn their first one-day international victory over England since 2001 in a final-ball thriller.
The hosts needed eight to win from the last over of a rain-hit game in Belfast, but lost three wickets in three balls to give England hope.
That left four required from the final delivery – and number-nine batter Alana Dalzell found the boundary to seal Ireland’s win.
They had been cruising to their rain-adjusted target of 155 from 22 overs, needing 18 runs from as many balls with eight wickets in hand, before Lauren Filer took two wickets in the 19th over to get England back in the hunt.
Then the drama unfolded in the final over, bowled by spinner Mady Villiers, with Una Raymond-Hoey run out before Alice Tector and Jane Maguire both fell for first-ball ducks.
But Dalzell held her nerve and smacked her first ball down the ground, where it was misjudged by Hollie Armitage at long-on and trickled over the ropes.
After heavy morning rain, the match was reduced to 22 overs a side and England started positively with opener Tammy Beaumont continuing her fine form with 52 from 42 balls.
But a youthful England were left to rue a collapse of six wickets for 46 runs, slipping from 107-3 to 153 all out as spinner Aimee Maguire ripped through the middle and lower order with her career-best 5-19.
Despite the nervous finish that was indicative of Ireland’s inexperience, it was an impressive response with both bat and ball after being bowled out for 45 just two days ago.
The result means England win the ODI series 2-1, with two T20s starting on Saturday in Clontarf, Dublin.