Cricket
Going into the final game of the three-match ODI series, England now holds a 2-0 lead over the tourists.
Updated : Aug 02, 2020, 07:22 AM IST | Edited by : Snehadri Sarkar
Johnny Bairstow smashed a 41-ball 82 to guide England to victory in the second ODI against Ireland at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
In chase of a respectful target of 213 runs, the home side got off to a half-decent start after losing some early wickets.
England lost a few wickets in a heap to bring Ireland back in the game however Sam Billings and David Willey knitted together an unbeaten 79-run partnership to guide the hosts to victory in the end.
Earlier in the game, spinner Adil Rashid picked up three wickets in his 10-over spell after David Willey struck twice with the new ball.
Rashid also became the first England spinner to take 150 ODI wickets and only the fifth ever English bowler to reach this landmark number for the Three Lions.
Curtis Campher did come to the visitors' rescue, as he shot his second-ever half-century to take Ireland to 212/9 batting first after Ireland skipper Andrew Balbirnie had won the toss and opted to bat first.
After winning the 1st ODI comfortably by six wickets, England cruised to another win on the night.
Going into the final game of the three-match ODI series, England now holds a 2-0 lead over the tourists.