Orla Prendergast stars as Ireland claim maiden T20 victory over England to level series
By Leon Imber
Published 15/09/2024 at 19:32 GMT+1
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Ireland put in a resilient showing to claim their maiden T20 win over England on Sunday afternoon, levelling the series at 1-1. The historic win for Ireland was a marked improvement on their first T20 encounter against England on Saturday, where they were convincingly dispatched by 67 runs. Orla Prendergast starred for the hosts in Dublin with 80 from 51 balls.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Ireland made history by earning their first T20 victory over England on Sunday, levelling the series at 1-1 in Dublin.
The hosts also clinched their highest successful chase in a T20 with Orla Prendergast posting a stunning 80 off 51 balls.
Ireland survived a late scare as England claimed two wickets in as many balls in the final over, but the hosts held firm to beat their opponents for the first time in the format at their fourth attempt.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Ireland captain Gaby Lewis said: "I am so proud of the girls, it shows the maturity of Orla with that innings. She is such a world-class player and she showed that today."
Ireland's attentions shift to Bangladesh in November, but they will be without the all-round talents of Prendergast.
Lewis added: "We play Bangladesh in November, we look forward to that and although Orla will be in the Big Bash we will wish her well with that."
Bryony Smith (28) was first to fall for England as her drive was claimed by Lewis off the bowling of Arlene Kelly - the Ireland captain atoning for her error on Saturday when she fumbled a sitter from the same batter.
Ireland produced a better fielding performance than in their convincing defeat on Saturday, and had England at 71-2 after 10 overs.
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England soon saw two wickets fall in quick succession with Christina Coulter Reilly taking a comfortable catch to remove Tammy Beaumont (40) off Kelly and Ava Canning pouching Paige Scholfield (34) off Aimee Maguire, putting Ireland in a strong position with the tourists at 134-4 after 16 overs.
Hollie Armitage departed first ball, and Georgia Adams (23) also fell to the bowling of Prendergast as England's momentum slowed.
England, who looked a far cry from the dominant force of Saturday's series opener, were forced to settle for 169-8 after Charis Pavely and Issy Wong were run out in the 20th over.
England struck early with the ball, with Amy Hunter falling for one to the bowling of England captain Kate Cross.
Hunter's departure saw Prendergast stride to the crease. High on confidence from her 52 on Saturday, the Ireland batter took the attack to England.
Prendergast's 51-ball 80 propelled Ireland to the brink of victory. She was bowled by Cross to end the 19th over.
Mady Villiers took the ball for the final over, and caused panic in the Ireland ranks when removing Sarah Forbes and Canning with her third and fourth deliveries, but Coulter Reilly scrambled a two to secure a five-wicket win with one ball remaining.
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