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Kate Cross Leads England to Victory in ODI Against Ireland
In an impressive display of skill, Kate Cross stepped in as England’s stand-in captain and achieved remarkable bowling figures, leading her team to a four-wicket victory over Ireland in the first ODI at Stormont.
Cross, filling in for Heather Knight, who was absent alongside many players from the T20 World Cup squad, delivered a standout performance, taking 6 wickets for 30 runs. This was pivotal as Ireland experienced a drastic collapse, going from a strong position of 151-3 to being bowled out for 210 runs in the 47th over.
During England’s chase, a couple of early wickets put pressure on the team, but Cross, alongside Freya Kemp, managed to stabilize the innings. Cross finished not out on 38, guiding England to a comfortable win with over 15 overs remaining.
England’s lineup featured several fresh faces, with Paige Scholfield, Hannah Baker, and Ryana MacDonald-Gay making their international debuts. Additionally, Mady Villiers and Hollie Armitage also had their first appearances in ODIs.
After winning the toss, Ireland opted to bat first but quickly encountered trouble. Cross struck early, dismissing Una Raymond-Hoey lbw. Stand-in captain Gaby Lewis followed suit, leaving Ireland in a precarious position at 21-2.
A strong partnership between Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast provided hope for Ireland, as they added 50 runs together. Baker, making her international debut as a leg-spinner, made an impact by taking her first wicket, removing Hunter who scored 37 runs.
Prendergast was the standout performer for Ireland, scoring 76 runs off 89 balls, including nine boundaries and one six. However, her departure in the 31st over triggered a batting collapse, with MacDonald-Gay quickly taking a wicket and Cross dismantling the lower order, claiming four wickets in just six deliveries.
England’s innings faced challenges as well; Prendergast’s catch and bowl of opener Emma Lamb for just four runs and another wicket of Tammy Beaumont left the visitors struggling at 32-2. However, a quick-fire 31 from Scholfield and a solid 44 from Armitage steadied the innings. Contributions from World Cup-bound Kemp and an unbeaten 33 from wicketkeeper Bess Heath helped ensure England crossed the finish line.
What’s next?
The series continues on Monday at Stormont, with the second ODI scheduled for the same venue. The third and final ODI will take place on Wednesday, both matches commencing at 10:45 AM. Subsequently, two T20 International matches are set for September 14 and 15 in Dublin.
Source
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