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Home » Live Cricket Score » ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Australia, 2022 » commentary

Ireland vs England Live Commentary, Super 12 - Match 8, ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Australia, 2022, October 26, 2022

IRE 157/10 (19.2)
Ireland beat England by 5 runs (D/L method)
ENG 105/5 (14.3)
Match over
Ireland Inning England Inning
0.0 : TOSS - The coin goes up and lands in favour of England. They have elected to BOWL first.
England (Unchanged Playing XI) - Jos Buttler (C) (WK), Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Liam Livingstone, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.
Ireland (Playing XI) - Paul Stirling, Andy Balbirnie (C), Lorcan Tucker (WK), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Fionn Hand (In place of Simi Singh), Barry McCarthy, Josh Little. 
Andy Balbirnie, the skipper of Ireland says that they would have chased as well with rain around but adds that they need to do their best now. Tells that they need to come out with aggression and a positive approach against the top-class bowlers. Tells that they have played a practice game here and they will try to make special memories just liked they did in Hobart. Says that they have happy memories of the 2011 World Cup and adds that they would like to replicate the same in MCG. Informs they
There is always some spice when these two neighbours go head-to-head in any sports but for now we have to deal with rain, it is drizzling at the moment and covers have come on. It is not that hard though and players are standing near the fence. Also, the spectators are not using their umbrellas either, so we can expect to start soon.
Now then, the players are walking on the field for the national anthems. The pitch is still covered though and we are ready for the anthems now. We will have England's anthem first which will be followed by the Irish one.
The anthems are done but we will have a slight delay here. The game will start at 9.45 am IST (4.15 am GMT).
Update - 9.43 am IST (4.13 am GMT) - Just when we were about to start, the rain is back again. It is that kind of day here in Melbourne, hopefully we will have better news soon. As of now, the start of the game is delayed further.
Jos Buttler, the skipper of England says that they will bowl first and the weather has influenced his decision to bowl first. Shares that this a huge game for them. Adds that they have set high fielding standards considering the huge playing fields in Australia. Informs that they are going with the same team as the last game.
0.1 : Ben Stokes to Paul Stirling, Starts with a length ball on off, Paul Stirling defends it out solidly. A dot to start with.
0.2 : Ben Stokes to Paul Stirling, Slightly shorter this time, Paul Stirling slices it away to backward point and gets off the mark. They cross.
0.3 : Ben Stokes to Andy Balbirnie, Goes outside off, Andy Balbirnie guides it to backward point for a brace.
0.4 : Ben Stokes to Andy Balbirnie, Good length angling it away, Andy Balbirnie defends it back towards Ben Stokes.
0.0 : The rain has cleared! The English players are on the field and the Irish openers, Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling are walking into the middle as well. Ben Stokes to start with the ball. Here we go...
0.5 : Ben Stokes to Andy Balbirnie, Bowls it outside off, a bit fuller too. Andy Balbirnie leaves it alone.
0.6 : Ben Stokes to Andy Balbirnie, On a length and on middle angling it into the batter, Andy Balbirnie awkwardly defends it away. A dot to end the over.
Chris Woakes to share the new ball with Ben Stokes!
1.1 : Chris Woakes to Paul Stirling, FOUR! Full and swinging away from the batter, Stirling opens the bat face and guides it past backward point for his first boundary. Good timing and placement from Paul Stirling!
1.2 : Chris Woakes to Paul Stirling, WIDE! Full and going away, Stirling makes room to slice it but fails to make any contact. The umpire calls it a wide. Woakes is getting some good shape with this new ball.
Chris Woakes to Paul Stirling, Short of a length outside off, Paul Stirling tries to defend it off the backfoot and gets beaten.
1.3 : Chris Woakes to Paul Stirling, Full outside off, Paul Stirling moves away and carves this one in the air through the offside. The batters come back for three.
 Update - 9.56 am IST (4.26 am GMT) - The rain is back! It is heavier this time and players are running off the field as covers come on. This could be a longer delay and there is high chance now that we lose some overs if the rain continues to put on a show here.
Update - 10.11 am IST (4.41 am GMT) - The rain has eased out, and the covers are off. Let's hope we have a start soon. Fingers crossed.
We are back! No overs have been lost yet and the the English players and Irish openers are back on the field as well. Chris Woakes to resume his over. Here we go...
1.4 : Chris Woakes to Andy Balbirnie, Full and shaping away on off, Andy Balbirnie drives it uppishly towards point.
1.5 : Chris Woakes to Andy Balbirnie, Back of a length on middle, Balbirnie gets rapped on the thigh as he went for the flick.
1.6 : Chris Woakes to Andy Balbirnie, FOUR! Good length swinging away from the batter. Balbirnie makes room to free his arms and slices this one over covers for his first boundary. The ball went to the boundary even after Balbirnie got it off the bottom part of the bat.
Mark Wood is into the attack now.
2.1 : Mark Wood to Paul Stirling, SIX! Dropped! Shorter one on off, Paul Stirling looks to pull it but gets a top edge. The ball goes towards third man. The fielder at the third man takes a catch but he was in contact with the ropes. A good try from the fielder but its a maximum.
2.2 : Mark Wood to Paul Stirling, Play and a miss. This one lands outside off, Paul Stirling looks to play at it but misses.
2.3 : Mark Wood to Paul Stirling, OUT! CAUGHT! Shorter again, outside off. Paul Stirling looks to slap it but miscues it to third man. The ball goes in the air. Sam Curran settles under it and pouches it comfortably with both hands. England have an early breakthrough in the game. Paul Stirling makes his way back into the hut.
2.4 : Mark Wood to Lorcan Tucker, Shorter again, on off. Lorcan Tucker fends it towards the off side for one.
2.3 : Lorcan Tucker walks out at number 3!
2.5 : Mark Wood to Andy Balbirnie, Slightly shorter angling it away from the batter, Andy Balbirnie gets beaten off the outside edge.
2.6 : Mark Wood to Andy Balbirnie, FOUR WIDES! This one lands shorter and on leg, Andy Balbirnie ducks it. Buttler dives to his left and half-stops it. While the batters take a run off it, Buttler misses the shy at the bowler's end and allows the batters to run through for a couple more. Wide called as well.
Mark Wood to Lorcan Tucker, Back of a length and outside off, Lorcan Tucker looks to play at it but misses.
3.1 : Chris Woakes to Andy Balbirnie, Back of a length on leg, Andy Balbirnie clips it off the bac kfoot to square leg for a single.
3.2 : Chris Woakes to Lorcan Tucker, FOUR! Smart batting by Tucker. Good length delivery outside off, Tucker knows the fielder behind square is inside the circle. He shuffles across and scoops it over short fine leg for a boundary.
3.3 : Chris Woakes to Lorcan Tucker, Full on leg, Lorcan Tucker flicks this one to deep square leg for a run. The batters wanted a second but decided against it.
3.4 : Chris Woakes to Andy Balbirnie, Slower and back of a length outside off, Andy Balbirnie taps it to backward point and takes a single.
3.5 : Chris Woakes to Lorcan Tucker, Short of a length on middle, Tucker shimmies down the track to work it on the off side and gets beaten.
3.6 : Chris Woakes to Lorcan Tucker, FOUR! Poor delivery by Woakes. Bowls it short without much pace, Lorcan Tucker makes room and smashes this one past the ring on the off side for the second boundary of the over.
4.1 : Mark Wood to Andy Balbirnie, Slightly shorter and on off, Andy Balbirnie hands back and defends it out.
0.0 : Andy Balbirnie seems to be in some pain here. He has hurt his right hand's index finger and is getting some treatment from the physio. Looks fine now and we are ready to resume.
4.2 : Mark Wood to Andy Balbirnie, FOUR! On a length and on off, Andy Balbirnie shuffles across and smashes it over point for a boundary!
4.3 : Mark Wood to Andy Balbirnie, Shorter one this time, Andy Balbirnie ducks underneath it.
4.4 : Mark Wood to Andy Balbirnie, Slightly shorter and down leg, Andy Balbirnie looks to flick it but gets his thigh. The ball rolls towards the left of the keeper. They cross for a leg bye.
4.5 : Mark Wood to Lorcan Tucker, Shorter and on leg, Lorcan Tucker pulls it to short fine leg for one.
4.6 : Mark Wood to Andy Balbirnie, Bowls it outside off, Andy Balbirnie guides it to third man for a brace. 8 runs off the over.
5.1 : Sam Curran to Lorcan Tucker, Short down the leg side, Lorcan Tucker tucks this one behind square for a couple of runs.
0.0 : Sam Curran is brought into the attack now.
5.3 : Sam Curran to Lorcan Tucker, Back of a length on middle, Tucker gets beaten as he tried to open the bat face and play it fine.
5.2 : Sam Curran to Lorcan Tucker, FOUR! DISPATCHED! Low full toss on off, Tucker moves away and drills it past Ben Stokes at mid off. Stokes went to his left first and then dived to his right but failed to stop it.
5.4 : Sam Curran to Lorcan Tucker, Short and at the body, Lorcan Tucker works it gently towards square leg and collects a brace.
5.5 : Sam Curran to Lorcan Tucker, Banged in short by Curran, Tucker fails to get bat on it as he looked to ramp it over the keeper.
6.1 : Adil Rashid to Andy Balbirnie, FOUR! Fine shot. A low full toss wide outside off, Andy Balbirnie slices it over point for a boundary!
6.2 : Adil Rashid to Andy Balbirnie, On off, fuller in length. Andy Balbirnie guides it to short third man for one.
5.6 : Sam Curran to Lorcan Tucker, SIX! STRAIGHT HIT! Lorcan Tucker advances down the track and converts a good delivery into a full one. Lofts this one with a straight bat towards long on for his first six of the game. Ireland are 59 for one after the Powerplay!
6.3 : Adil Rashid to Lorcan Tucker, Tossed up with a hint of turn, Lorcan Tucker defends it back towards the bowler.
6.4 : Adil Rashid to Lorcan Tucker, Fuller and down leg, Lorcan Tucker looks to sweep it but misses and gets his pads. A stifled appeal turned down.
6.5 : Adil Rashid to Lorcan Tucker, Fuller one again, Lorcan Tucker nudges it to mid-wicket for one.
6.6 : Adil Rashid to Andy Balbirnie, Bowls it outside off, Andy Balbirnie guides it straight towards the fielder at point.
7.1 : Ben Stokes to Lorcan Tucker, Good length delivery outside off, Andy Balbirnie advances and pokes it at it but misses.
0.0 : Ben Stokes is back on. Can he break this partnership?
7.2 : Ben Stokes to Lorcan Tucker, Back of a length and around off. Tucker opens the bat face and dabs it down to backward point.
7.3 : Ben Stokes to Lorcan Tucker, Back of a length on leg, Tucker helps it towards fine leg for a single.
7.4 : Ben Stokes to Andy Balbirnie, Full outside off, Andy Balbirnie jams it towards deep point for a single.
7.5 : Ben Stokes to Lorcan Tucker, Bumper outside off, Lorcan Tucker shuffles across and pulls it towards deep mid wicket for a single.
7.6 : Ben Stokes to Andy Balbirnie, Good length on off, Andy Balbirnie taps it on the off side and rushes for a quick single.
8.1 : Adil Rashid to Andy Balbirnie, Fuller one and on off, Andy Balbirnie steers it to long off for one.
8.2 : Adil Rashid to Lorcan Tucker, Goes fuller again, on off. Lorcan Tucker plays a reverse sweep to backward point for one.
8.3 : Adil Rashid to Lorcan Tucker, Fuller length outside the off. Tucker comes down the track and heaves it to mid-wicket for one. 50 partnership up between Lorcan Tucker and Andy Balbirnie.
8.4 : Adil Rashid to Andy Balbirnie, Play and a miss. This one lands outside off, Andy Balbirnie looks to play at it but misses.
8.5 : Adil Rashid to Andy Balbirnie, Tossed up, outside off. Andy Balbirnie drives it to extra covers for a brace.
8.6 : Adil Rashid to Andy Balbirnie, Fuller length and around off. Andy Balbirnie strides forward and pushes it down to long on for one.
9.1 : Chris Woakes to Andy Balbirnie, WIDE! Woakes sprays it down the legside. Good take by Buttler diving to his left as Andy Balbirnie dances down the track while making room to heave it away.
Chris Woakes to Andy Balbirnie, FOUR! Short down the leg side, Andy Balbirnie uses the pace and works it behind square leg for a boundary. The fielder in the deep ran to his right but could not prevent the boundary.
9.2 : Chris Woakes to Andy Balbirnie, Short on off, Andy Balbirnie knocks it off the back foot to mid-wicket for a single.
9.3 : Chris Woakes to Lorcan Tucker, Slower and at the body, Lorcan Tucker works it to fine leg for a single.
9.4 : Chris Woakes to Andy Balbirnie, FOUR! Slower and into the wicket, Andy Balbirnie creates the pace by advancing down the track and smashes this one over deep mid-wicket for the second boundary of the over. The fielder in the deep was standing a few yards in from the boundary.
9.5 : Chris Woakes to Andy Balbirnie, SIX! Short and at the batter, Andy Balbirnie picks it up from his hip and deposits this one over fine leg for a maximum. This is turning out to be a very expensive over by Chris Woakes.
9.6 : Chris Woakes to Andy Balbirnie, Back of a length on middle, Andy Balbirnie drops it on the off side and takes a single. This 18-run over is now the most expensive over of the innings.
10.1 : Liam Livingstone to Andy Balbirnie, Slightly shorter and outside off, Andy Balbirnie taps it to point for one.
10.2 : Liam Livingstone to Lorcan Tucker, This one lands down leg, Lorcan Tucker flicks it to mid-wicket for one again.
0.0 : Drinks break. This has been a fantastic start for the Irish. They have gone about their business with a fearless attitude despite losing Paul Stirling early and now have a good platform to set a huge total here. English bowlers, on the other hand, have been pretty ordinary and need to tighten up, if they want to make their way back into this game. An interesting phase of the game coming up as Liam Livingstone is introduced into the attack.
10.3 : Liam Livingstone to Andy Balbirnie, Fuller one on off, Andy Balbirnie eases it to covers for one more.
10.4 : Liam Livingstone to Lorcan Tucker, Another single as this is played towards mid on.
10.5 : Liam Livingstone to Andy Balbirnie, Play and a miss. This one lands on leg, Andy Balbirnie looks to sweep it but misses as he ball hits his thigh pad. Dot.
10.6 : Liam Livingstone to Andy Balbirnie, Fuller and on off, Andy Balbirnie sweeps it to square leg for one.
11.1 : Adil Rashid to Andy Balbirnie, Full and on middle, Andy Balbirnie shuffles and drills it through extra covers for a couple.
11.2 : Adil Rashid to Andy Balbirnie, Flighted on off, Andy Balbirnie gets forward and works it to long on for a single.
11.3 : Adil Rashid to Lorcan Tucker, Flighted on middle, Lorcan Tucker gets on his knee and sweeps it to square leg for a run.
11.4 : Adil Rashid to Andy Balbirnie, Flatter at the pads, Andy Balbirnie nudges it to deep mid wicket for a single.
11.5 : Adil Rashid to Lorcan Tucker, Tossed up outside off, Lorcan Tucker shimmies down the track to slog it down the ground. Gets an inside edge that rolls towards square leg.
11.6 : Adil Rashid to Andy Balbirnie, OUT! UNLUCKY DISMISSAL! Floated on off, Andy Balbirnie hits it straight back towards the bowler. Rashid gets a hand on it on its way to the stumps. Lorcan Tucker is out of his crease as the ball hits the stumps. A much-needed wicket for England. Lorcan Tucker is disappointed and rightly so, he was looking pretty confident out there in the middle.
12.1 : Mark Wood to Harry Tector, On a length and outside off, Harry Tector looks to defend it but misses.
0.0 : Harry Tector walks out to the middle as Mark Wood is back into the attack as well. Buttler sensing an opportunity here!
12.2 : Mark Wood to Harry Tector, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! This one lands on a length and just outside off, Harry Tector looks to loft it but gets a thin outside edge. The ball goes safely into the gloves of Jos Buttler and Ireland lose two wickets in quick succession. Credit should be given to Buttler as well for bringing in Wood straightaway after the wicket.
Curtis Campher is the next man in.
12.3 : Mark Wood to Curtis Campher, Wide! Bowls it outside leg, Curtis Campher lets it go.
Mark Wood to Curtis Campher, FOUR! Fine shot. Fuller and outside off, Curtis Campher slices it over backward point for a boundary. Ireland needs to regroup now.
12.4 : Mark Wood to Curtis Campher, Shorter one on middle, Curtis Campher looks to pull it but the ball hits his helmet and bounces off the deck.
12.5 : Mark Wood to Curtis Campher, Slightly shorter and outside off, Curtis Campher guides it to backward point for one.
12.4 : Curtis Campher has been hit on his helmet! We will have a mandatory concussion test now. He looks fine to continue now and we are ready to resume.
12.6 : Mark Wood to Andy Balbirnie, A dot to end the over. Bowls it on a length and on middle, Andy Balbirnie defends it to backward point.
13.1 : Adil Rashid to Curtis Campher, Floated outside off, Curtis Campher knocks it to long off for a single.
13.2 : Adil Rashid to Andy Balbirnie, Flighted on off, Andy Balbirnie taps it on the off and gets a single.
13.3 : Adil Rashid to Curtis Campher, Tossed up outside off, Curtis Campher shuffles across and slog sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.
13.4 : Adil Rashid to Andy Balbirnie, Full on off, Andy Balbirnie gets forward and clips it to mid wicket for a single to bring up a well-composed fifty. His 8th fifty in the T20I's!
13.5 : Adil Rashid to Curtis Campher, Wrong-un on middle, Curtis Campher doesn't read it and gets an inside edge as he tried to cut. The batters take a single as the ball rolls on the off side.
13.6 : Adil Rashid to Andy Balbirnie, Flighted outside off, Andy Balbirnie slaps this one wide of long off for a couple of runs more.
Sam Curran is back on.
14.1 : Sam Curran to Curtis Campher, Campher makes room and Curran follows him. This is full and on the pads. Campher tries to clip it but misses as the ball hits his pads. A leg bye is taken.
14.2 : Sam Curran to Andy Balbirnie, On a length and around off. Andy Balbirnie makes room and slaps it to sweeper cover for a couple.
14.3 : Sam Curran to Andy Balbirnie, SIX! Wow! The Irish skipper is turning it on! A shortish delivery on off. Andy Balbirnie stays deep in his crease and pulls it fimly and deep into the stands over the square leg fence.
14.4 : Sam Curran to Andy Balbirnie, Back of a length and angling across the batter, around off. Andy Balbirnie tries to cut it but misses.
14.5 : Sam Curran to Andy Balbirnie, Serves it fuller this time angling into the pads. Andy Balbirnie clips it to deep backward square leg for a couple.
14.6 : Sam Curran to Andy Balbirnie, Back of a length and around off. Andy Balbirnie makes room and tries to swing it across the line but misses.
15.1 : Liam Livingstone to Curtis Campher, FOUR! Boundaries continue to flow here! This is tossed up on middle. Campher gets a bit across to his right and scoops it past short fine leg for a boundary. Excellent batsmanship!
15.2 : Liam Livingstone to Curtis Campher, Shortish length, on off. Campher makes room and cuts it to deep point for a single.
15.3 : Liam Livingstone to Andy Balbirnie, OUT! CAUGHT! Andy Balbirnie holes out in the deep! Truly against the run of play this but England will take it. Brilliant knock from Andy Balbirnie comes to an end. This is slower through the air again, on off. Andy Balbirnie sweeps and sweeps quite well but it goes aerially and straight to Alex Hales at fine leg. He takes an easy catch and England continue to take wickets after the 10-over mark!
15.4 : Liam Livingstone to George Dockrell, OUT! BOWLED! Two in two for Liam Livingstone and he is absolutely pumped up! Another tossed up delivery on middle. George Dockrell facing his first delivery, makes some room and tries to drive it. However, he misses it completely and the ball goes onto knock the stumps. England are making a strong comeback here! Liam Livingstone is on a hat-trick!
15.3 : George Dockrell walks in.
15.4 : Gareth Delany is the new batter. Liam Livingstone is on a hat-trick. Can he take it?
15.5 : Liam Livingstone to Gareth Delany, No hat-trick! Liam fires this on middle. Gareth Delany manages to get his bat down in time.
15.6 : Liam Livingstone to Gareth Delany, A flatter one on middle. Gareth Delany clips it to the leg side and gets off the mark with a single.
16.1 : Mark Wood to Gareth Delany, Back of a length, on leg. Delany works it to fine leg for a single.
16.2 : Mark Wood to Curtis Campher, FOUR! Handy boundary for Ireland, this will ease some pressue. Pacy delivery at 148 kph. Lands on a length, on off. Campher gets across to his right and uses the pace of the ball to scoop it over short fine leg for a boundary.
16.3 : Mark Wood to Curtis Campher, OUT! CAUGHT! Mark Wood strikes again! A sharp catch from Buttler behind the stumps as well and Irish are losing their way here. Wood delivers a short delivery, around leg. Campher tries to pull it but does not get much bat on it and just enough to hit it left of Buttler. The English skipper dives and takes a brilliant catch and Ireland are six down now.
Mark Adair is the next batter.
16.4 : Mark Wood to Mark Adair, Just short! A fullish delivery, outside off. Adair slices it uppishly towards third man and the fielder in the deep runs forward and dives to take it. However, the ball falls just ahead of him. Single taken.
16.5 : Mark Wood to Gareth Delany, FOUR! Lovely shot! Wood delivers another full delivery, outside off. Delany opens the face of his blade and creams it through the backward point region for a boundary.
16.6 : Mark Wood to Gareth Delany, Oh, Wood hits another batter on the helmet! A bouncer angling into middle. Delany tries to duck under it but the ball is too quick and does not bounce much as it hits his helmet. A leg bye is taken though as the ball deflects towards fine leg.
17.1 : Liam Livingstone to Gareth Delany, Tossed up, outside off. Delany drives it to deep point for a single.
0.0 : There is a concussion protocol being followed by the Ireland physio as Gareth Delany gets a hit on his helmet. The test is complete and we are good to go.
17.2 : Liam Livingstone to Mark Adair, Floated up on middle. Adair drives it to long on for a single.
17.3 : Liam Livingstone to Gareth Delany, A quicker one and flatter as well, on middle. Delany knocks it down towards mid on for a single.
17.4 : Liam Livingstone to Mark Adair, Tad short and angling into middle and leg again. Adair skips down the track and works it to deep mid-wicket for a couple.
17.5 : Liam Livingstone to Mark Adair, OUT! CAUGHT! Liam Livingstone gets his third wicket! He tosses this up nicely, on middle. Adair tries to clear the longer boundary towards the leg side and goes for the slog-sweep. However, he fails to get enough power behind his shot and ends up hitting it to Sam Curran at deep mid-wicket who takes an easy catch.
Barry McCarthy walks in.
17.6 : Liam Livingstone to Barry McCarthy, Loopy delivery, outside off. Barry McCarthy drives it to deep point for a single. 150 up for Ireland!
18.1 : Sam Curran to Barry McCarthy, A slower length delivery on the pads. Barry McCarthy clips it to deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second run. Good running.
18.2 : Fionn Hand is the next batter.
18.3 : Sam Curran to Fionn Hand, A slower length ball on middle. Hand makes room and dabs it towards the off side for a quick single.
18.4 : Sam Curran to Gareth Delany, Goes 'round the wicket and bowls a shortish delivery angling into off. Delany tries to pull it but misses.
18.5 : Sam Curran to Gareth Delany, Oh, dear...that it poor from Wood! Back of a length and around off. Delany guides it to short third man where Wood fails to get down in time and the batters take three as the ball rolls towards the third man fence before the fielder cuts it off.
18.6 : Sam Curran to Fionn Hand, OUT! BOWLED! Curran hits his target again and Hand has to walk back to the hut now. Curran comes 'round the wicket again and bowls a length delivery angling into the stumps. Hand makes room and tries to play the inside-out shot. He misses and the ball knocks over the stumps.
19.1 : Ben Stokes to Gareth Delany, A fullish delivery, outside off. Delany slices it to deep point for a single.
18.6 : Josh Little is the last batter. Ben Stokes to bowl the final over.
19.2 : Ben Stokes to Josh Little, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Stokes gets the last wicket and Ireland have been bowled out for 157! Stokes lands a good-length delivery, around off. Little tries to push it towards the off side. However, the ball catches the thin outside edge of his blade and Buttler takes an easy catch behind the stumps. Brilliant comeback by England this!
Sam Curran to Barry McCarthy, OUT! BOWLED! Another one bites the dust! Sam Curran nails a yorker this time. It is on middle and Barry McCarthy makes room to hit it towards the off side. He misses and the ball shatters the stumps. Eight down now Ireland and the question is, can they get to 165-run mark from here?
England, unfortunately, failed to take full advantage of the new ball in overcast conditions. They resorted to short-pitched bowling and paid the price. After dismissing Tucker in the 12th over, England clawed their way back into the game with some quick wickets. Liam Livingstone and Mark Wood combined to account for six Irish wickets bagging three each whilst Sam Curran took two.
So, Ireland end up with 157 on the board. Ireland will be disappointed that they let it slip from a strong position with the bat. Jos Buttler will be happy with the way the bowlers brought them back into the game. Having been sent into bat first, Ireland's batters did a great job of not losing more than one wicket in the powerplay. The pair of Andrew Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker kept the scoreboard ticking in testing conditions against the moving new ball. Once the 82-run stand was broken, Irela
Mark Wood is in for a chat now. He says that they did not bowl well. Shares that the he was worried about landing due to wet and greasy conditions. Reckons that they bowled too many full deliveries and did not have the intensity at the start. Adds that 157 is a good score to chase. Credits Liam Livingstone for his brilliant spell. Feels that he bowled with some good speed but could have been better.
Right then, England will be hoping for a clinical chasing effort this time round, while Andy Balbirnie will be hoping for some early inroads from his new ball bowlers. Chase coming up in a bit…
... The Run Chase ...
We are back for the chase. Ireland players are seen out in a huddle near the ropes.
0.1 : Josh Little to Jos Buttler, Josh Little starts with a shortish delivery, outside off. Buttler tries to cut it but misses. Little is key here for the Irish!
0.2 : Josh Little to Jos Buttler, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Josh Little strikes and gets rid of the dangerous Jos Buttler straightaway! A dream start for the Irish this. A fullish delivery, around off. It is angled across the batter and Buttler tries to launch it down the ground. However, all he manages to do is to get an outside edge which carries to the keeper and Lorcan Tucker takes an easy catch behind the stumps. Game on, folks!
Dawid Malan is the new batter.
0.3 : Josh Little to Dawid Malan, WIDE! A fullish delivery but it is too wide outside off, Malan leaves it.
Josh Little to Dawid Malan, Lands it on a length, on off. Malan blocks it from his crease.
0.4 : Josh Little to Dawid Malan, Ohh..nice shape for Little! Serves it on a good length and around off. The ball swings first and then seams as well after pitching as Malan leaves it.
0.5 : Josh Little to Dawid Malan, On a length again, on off. Malan defends it solidly from his crease.
0.6 : Josh Little to Dawid Malan, Single to end the over and a great start for Little and Ireland this. Back of a length, around leg. Malan tucks it towards the leg side and takes a single to get off the mark.
Mark Adair to bowl from the other end.
1.1 : Mark Adair to Dawid Malan, Full and shaping away outside off, Dawid Malan shuffles across and clubs this one over mid-on. The batters run three.
1.2 : Mark Adair to Alex Hales, Short and outside off, Alex Hales cuts it to deep point and gets off the mark with a single.
1.3 : Mark Adair to Dawid Malan, Full and angling away from the batter, Malan shoulders arms and carefully lets it go.
1.4 : Mark Adair to Dawid Malan, Short and shaping away from the batter, Malan moves to the off side pulls this one over mid on for a couple of runs.
1.5 : Mark Adair to Dawid Malan, Beaut of a delivery! Good-length delivery nips back into Malan. Cuts the batter into half as the ball sails over the stumps.
1.6 : Mark Adair to Dawid Malan, Back of a length delivery going away from Malan. He pokes at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.
2.1 : Josh Little to Alex Hales, FOUR! Lovely from Hales! Back of a length, around off. Hales goes deep in his crease and brings out a short-arm jab. The ball runs away towards the mid-wicket fence.
2.2 : Josh Little to Alex Hales, Excellemt comeback from Little! Serves it on a good length, around off. Hales tries to punch it towards the off side but misses.
2.3 : Josh Little to Alex Hales, Oh, dropped! Short and outside off. Hales cuts it hard aerially towards point. Delany there is late to react and tries to take it with his right hand. Fails to grab it and two runs are taken.
2.4 : Josh Little to Alex Hales, OUT! CAUGHT! This time Hales is gone, big wicket and England are under pressure here! Little delivers a sharp short delivery. Hales tries to pull it. However, he gets a top edge and Mark Adair who is at short fine leg runs forward and to his left to take a fine catch. Can Ireland capitalise on this good start now?
2.5 : Josh Little to Ben Stokes, Serves it on a good length and around off. Stokes leaves it alone.
2.6 : Josh Little to Ben Stokes, Another leave and another brilliant over from Little! He hits that good length again, outside off. Stokes decides to leave it.
2.4 : Ben Stokes walks in.
3.1 : Barry McCarthy to Dawid Malan, Full and angling into the pads, Dawid Malan clips it to deep square leg for a single.
3.2 : Barry McCarthy to Ben Stokes, Full and swinging into the batter, Stokes nudges it behind square and gets off the mark with a brace.
3.3 : Barry McCarthy to Ben Stokes, Fullish delivery nips back into Stokes. He shimmies down the track and works it to mid on for a single.
3.4 : Barry McCarthy to Dawid Malan, Full and outside off, Dawid Malan frees his arms and drives this one through the off side. The batters run three.
3.5 : Barry McCarthy to Ben Stokes, Back-of-a-length delivery on leg, Ben Stokes works it off the backfoot to deep square leg for a single.
3.6 : Barry McCarthy to Dawid Malan, WIDE! Barry McCarthy loses his radar as he sprays this one down the leg side. Malan lets it go.
Barry McCarthy to Dawid Malan, Good-length delivery swings into the batter, Malan gets a thick outside edge that goes towards third man for a single.
4.1 : Mark Adair to Dawid Malan, On a length and around off. Malan steers it towards third man for a single.
4.2 : Mark Adair to Ben Stokes, Angles it into the pads and it is a slower delivery as well. Stokes tucks it towards square leg for a single.
4.3 : Mark Adair to Dawid Malan, Lovely delivery! Nice good-length delivery, around off. The ball seams off the pitch away from Malan as he tries to push it. Beats the outside edge of his blade.
4.4 : Mark Adair to Dawid Malan, Beaten again! Adair continues to bowl in that channel, outside off. Malan has a poke at it but misses it again.
4.5 : Mark Adair to Dawid Malan, Pulls his length back slightly this time, around off and Malan guides it to third man for a single.
4.6 : Mark Adair to Ben Stokes, Angling into middle as he hits the hard length. Stokes makes room to play it towards the off side but gets the inside edge that rolls towards the leg side. Malan calls for a quick run and they complete it easily.
5.1 : Fionn Hand to Ben Stokes, WIDE! Hand starts off with a loosener. Sprays it down the leg side. The keeper dives to his right and stops it.
0.0 : Who will walk out now?
5.1 : Fionn Hand to Ben Stokes, OUT! BOWLED! STOKES GONE! Fullish delivery swings in late to Stokes as he tries to drive it without much foot movement. The ball sneaks past the gap between bat and pad to rattle into the stumps. England are now 3 down inside the powerplay. Fionn Hand is pumped up and Irish after starting well with the bat in the first half, have started well with the ball as well.
5.2 : Fionn Hand to Harry Brook, Short and angling away from the batter, Brook pushes at it half-heartedly and gets beaten.
5.3 : Fionn Hand to Harry Brook, Short and wide outside off, Harry Brook stands tall and cuts this one over backward point. Josh Little runs around from third man and prevents the boundary.
5.4 : Fionn Hand to Dawid Malan, WIDE! Hand fails to keep it within the stumps and sprays it down the leg side.
Fionn Hand to Dawid Malan, Good-length delivery on middle, Dawid Malan gets forward and defends this one.
5.5 : Fionn Hand to Dawid Malan, Sliding onto the pads, Dawid Malan looks to help it behind square but the ball deflects off his pads for a couple of runs.
5.6 : Fionn Hand to Dawid Malan, Banged in short by Hand, Dawid Malan rocks back and pulls this one to the right of deep square leg for a couple of runs. England are 37 for 3 after the Powerplay.
6.1 : Gareth Delany to Harry Brook, Bowls a flatter delivery on middle. Brook works it towards the leg side.
6.2 : Gareth Delany to Harry Brook, Brook skips down the track and Delany pulls back his length a bit, on off. Brook only manages to push it towards covers.
6.3 : Gareth Delany to Harry Brook, On the pads this time and Brook clips it to short fine leg for a single.
6.4 : Gareth Delany to Dawid Malan, FOUR! Unlucky for Ireland but England will take it. Tossed up, around off. Malan tries to drive it but gets a thick outside edge that runs past short third man for a boundary.
6.5 : Gareth Delany to Dawid Malan, Shortish one and outside off. Malan cuts it to sweeper cover for a single.
6.6 : Gareth Delany to Harry Brook, Nicely bowled! Fires in a googly, on middle. Brook works it to mid-wicket for a single. 114 needed now from 78 balls!
7.1 : Barry McCarthy to Harry Brook, Short on off, Harry Brook clips it off the backfoot to mid-wicket for a single.
0.0 : Barry McCarthy is back on.
7.2 : Barry McCarthy to Dawid Malan, Full and wide outside off, Dawid Malan gets an under edge through to the keeper as went for the drive.
7.3 : Barry McCarthy to Dawid Malan, WIDE! Back-of-a-length delivery sliding down the leg side. Malan lets it go.
Barry McCarthy to Dawid Malan, Short of a length delivery outside off, Dawid Malan gets beaten as he tried to slash the delivery.
7.4 : Barry McCarthy to Dawid Malan, Bumper outside off by Barry McCarthy, Malan gets hurried on the pull and mistimes it to mid-wicket for a single.
7.5 : Barry McCarthy to Harry Brook, Clever bowling by Barry McCarthy. Short and at the batter, Brook tries to ride the bounce of the delivery and roll his wrist but fails to make any contact. 
7.6 : Barry McCarthy to Harry Brook, Short of a length delivery on off, Harry Brook punches it to deep cover for a single.
8.1 : Gareth Delany to Harry Brook, Tossed up, on middle. Brook skips down the track and works it towards the leg side.
8.2 : Gareth Delany to Harry Brook, A flatter one, on off. Brook goes back and plays it back to the bowler.
8.3 : Gareth Delany to Harry Brook, A googly now turning into leg. Brook tries to pull it by getting low but misses and gets hit high on his pads.
8.4 : Gareth Delany to Harry Brook, Tad shorter and on middle. Brook punches it to long on for a single.
8.5 : Gareth Delany to Dawid Malan, WIDE! Bowls another googly but it is too wide outside off and Malan leaves it.
Gareth Delany to Dawid Malan, Just a single again! Delany is mixing up his pace nicely here. Bowls it quicker on middle. Malan nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.
8.6 : Gareth Delany to Harry Brook, Couple of runs to end another tight over, 105 needed now from 66 balls! Delany angles it into middle. Brook uses the depth of the crease and works it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple.
9.1 : Fionn Hand to Dawid Malan, WIDE Full delivery swinging into Malan but just too wide down the leg side as Malan misses his flick shot.
Fionn Hand to Dawid Malan, Short on off, Dawid Malan does not get proper timing on the pull and mishits it to mid-wicket for a single.
9.2 : Fionn Hand to Harry Brook, Full and shaping away on off, Harry Brook looks to defend this one and gets beaten on the outside edge.
9.3 : Fionn Hand to Harry Brook, FOUR! Beautiful shot! Half volley on off, Harry Brook holds his shape and lofts this one over mid off for a much needed boundary.
9.4 : Fionn Hand to Harry Brook, Hand shortens his length and bowls this one outside off, Harry Brook defends it to backward point.
9.5 : Fionn Hand to Harry Brook, WIDE! Hand loses his radar again. Bangs this one way down the leg side and Brook lets it go.
Fionn Hand to Harry Brook, Full on off, Harry Brook smartly shuffles across and nudges this one behind square and comes back for two. Good running by Harry Brook.
9.6 : Fionn Hand to Harry Brook, Full outside off, Harry Brook looks to slog this one down the ground, gets an outside edge that flies towards third man for a single.
Drinks! England are struggling a bit and they need a solid partnership from Malan and Brook if they need to win this one. Ireland have been good with the ball and they will hope to continue with the same momentum. England are currently 63 for 3 at the halfway mark. George Dockrell comes into the attack.
George Dockrell to Moeen Ali, On off this time, Moeen Ali nudges it to mid-wicket for one.
10.5 : Moeen Ali walks in.
10.1 : George Dockrell to Harry Brook, PUT DOWN! George Dockrell bowls a shortish delivery on off. Brook goes back and mistimes his pull shot to long on. Adair there runs way too forward than he should have and ends up dropping it even though he gets both hands to it. Single taken.
10.2 : George Dockrell to Dawid Malan,Oh...another drop, this time a tougher chance but they need to take these chances. A fullish delivery, outside off. Malan slices it uppishly towards deep point where Delany runs forward and puts in a dive forward as well to take it but fails to catch it. Two taken this time.
10.3 : George Dockrell to Dawid Malan, A flatter delivery on middle. Malan tries to sweep it but misses as the ball bounces and hits his arm on its way to the helmet.
10.4 : George Dockrell to Dawid Malan, Tad shorter and on middle. Malan works it behind square on the leg side for a single.
11.1 : Josh Little to Moeen Ali, Full and angling into the pads, Moeen Ali tucks it to fine leg for a single.
11.2 : Josh Little to Dawid Malan, Banged in short at the batter, Dawid Malan gets hurried on the pull and ends up hitting it back to the bowler.
11.3 : Josh Little to Dawid Malan, FOUR! LUCKY BOUNDARY! Another bumper outside off, Dawid Malan goes for the pull, gets an inside edge that goes to the left of fine leg for a much needed boundary.
10.5 : George Dockrell to Harry Brook, OUT! CAUGHT! This time it is taken and Brook departs! Dockrell bowls it short and on off. Brook goes back and tries to pull it over the mid-wicket fence. However, the boudaries are bigger on that side and Brook fails to clear the fence as Delany in the deep takes a fine catch. England are under the pump here!
11.4 : Josh Little to Dawid Malan, Back of a length and on off, Dawid Malan flicks it to square leg for another single.
11.5 : Josh Little to Moeen Ali, WIDE! Short and sliding past the batter, Ali carefully lets it go through to the keeper.
Josh Little to Moeen Ali, Leg bye! Short and at the batter, Ali gets this one off his body behind square for a single.
11.6 : Josh Little to Dawid Malan, Short outside off, Dawid Malan rocks back and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
12.1 : Gareth Delany to Dawid Malan, Bowls a fullish delivery on off. Malan goes for the slog-sweep but gets it off the inside half of his blade to deep square leg for a single.
12.2 : Gareth Delany to Moeen Ali, Tossed up, outside off. Ali slog-sweeps it firmly to deep mid-wicket for a single.
12.3 : Gareth Delany to Dawid Malan, Delivers it outside off and flatter. Malan gets across to his left and sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a single.
12.4 : Gareth Delany to Moeen Ali, Ali skips down the track and drills this full delivery on off to long off for a single.
12.5 : Gareth Delany to Dawid Malan, Shortish delivery, outside off. Malan cuts it to sweeper cover for a single. Five singles in the over, can Delany finish off well?
12.6 : Gareth Delany to Moeen Ali, FOUR! No, he can't! Moeen Ali finds the boundary! 72 needed now from 42 balls! Bowls it fuller on off. Ali drills it down the ground away from long on for a boundary.
13.1 : Barry McCarthy to Dawid Malan, OUT! CAUGHT! Malan's struggle comes to end. Short and outside off, Malan shuffles across looking to thump this towards the leg side. Gets a thick outside edge that flies to Fionn Hand at third man who takes a fine catch running to his right and keeping his eyes on the ball till the last moment. England are now 5 down.
13.2 : Barry McCarthy to Liam Livingstone, Short of a length delivery on off, Liam Livingstone gets an inside edge back onto his pads as he tried to work it on the off side.
0.0 : Liam Livingstone is the new batter.
13.3 : Barry McCarthy to Liam Livingstone, Full outside off, Liam Livingstone gets to the pitch of the ball and knocks it to mid off to open his account.
13.4 : Barry McCarthy to Moeen Ali, Bumper outside off, Moeen Ali sways away from the delivery and lets it go through to the keeper.
13.5 : Barry McCarthy to Moeen Ali, FOUR! Smart batting by Moeen Ali! Slower and a bit short outside off, Moeen Ali makes room and thumps this one over mid off for a much-needed boundary.
13.6 : Barry McCarthy to Moeen Ali, WIDE! Barry McCarthy sprays this one down the leg side in his quest to follow the batter.
Barry McCarthy to Moeen Ali, Leg bye! Sharp bounce by Barry McCarthy. Moeen Ali gets hit on the bicep and crosses over for a single.
14.1 : Gareth Delany to Moeen Ali, SIX! Up and over. Slightly shorter and just outside off, Moeen Ali lofts over long off for a maximum.
14.2 : Gareth Delany to Moeen Ali, Bowls it outside off again, Moeen Ali slaps it towards point for a brace.
14.3 : Gareth Delany to Moeen Ali, FOUR! Another one outside off, Moeen Ali lofts it over extra covers for a boundary. Excellent shot from Moeen Ali!
Oh, it has started to rain here at the 'G'! England are 5 behind the DLS par score and the players are going off the field now. It's been a thrilling game so far but it is raining quite heavily now! The covers are on and these are anxious moments for England and their fans. Nasser Hussain, the on-air commentator says that they have 10 mintues to start the game, otherwise we will be done with this game and Ireland will bag those two crucial points against their more fancied neighbours. Remember,
Ireland bowlers bowled with lot of penetration and it was Josh Little who started off with a bang getting rid of both English openers. There was good help for the seamers thoughout and Irish stick to their plans and did not let England get off the hook at any point in this game. In the end, rain gods also seemed to be pleased by their effort and made a bit of contribution to this fantastic and important win for Ireland.
Time for the Presentation.
Andy Balbirnie, the Irish skipper is the Player of the Match for his knock of 62(47). He says that they were disappointed with their batting effort towards the end. Shares that he had said to the team that they need to create chances and take every one of those. Also shares that it was tough initially against the express pace of England. Adds that it was a competitive total which became a winning total eventually. Shares that it is amazing and emotional to play at the MCG in front of friends and
That concludes the proceedings from this game. The result was a bit harsh for the English side as they could have chased the score. However, it was indeed a deserving performance from the Men in Green as well. We have another game lined-up as New Zealand and Afghanistan get ready to lock horns. The toss has been delayed for that game, you can swith tabs and enjoy the coverage of that game. Cheers!
Earlier in the day, Ireland got off to a very good start after England sent them into bat. They were looking set for a huge total till the 12th over but a mini collapse meant they had to settle for a smaller total. Wood was the pick of the bowlers for England and bowled with great fire baging three wickets on the way. Ireland still had a decent total at the end of the first half and then made a match out of it by picking wickets at regular intervals with the ball. England were three down in
It's all over folks! Ireland win by 5 runs via DLS method! Handshakes all around and England players looks visibly disappointed. England have only themselves to blame here, they kept losing wickets at regular intervals and have to say, the Irish were the more disciplined and were the more hungrier side and have now scripted yet another famous win. The Irish fans in the stands are delighted and England have again been hunted down by the Ireland on the big stage after that famous win 11 years ag
Jos Buttler, the skipper of England says that it's a bit disappointing and they weren't consistent at the start. Adds that they were good in the second half with the ball, they bowled well but the result didn't go their way. Finishes by saying that bowling first was a good decision but it didn't go their way and they will be under some pressure against Australia and they need to play as a group and come out on top.