Women's T20 World Cup: England earn hard-fought win over Ireland
What's the story
England registered their second consecutive victory in the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, defeating Ireland by four wickets. The match witnessed a strange batting display from England, especially when Nat Sciver-Brunt retired herself out at 48 while chasing a target of 119 runs. Despite the hiccup, England managed to clinch the win with 14 balls remaining. Ireland scored 118/9 in 20 overs. In response, hosts England managed 119/6.
Chase details
Sciver-Brunt retires out at 48 before England complete win
England's chase got off to a rocky start as they found themselves at 35/3 in the sixth over. However, Sciver-Brunt steadied the ship with a solid innings of 48 runs off 37 balls. Just two runs short of her half-century and nine away from victory, she retired out. Four balls later, England lost their sixth wicket when Freya Kemp was run out for just two runs. Charlier Dean then hit the winning runs.
Bowling brilliance
Sophie Ecclestone shines with the ball for England
Before the batting drama, England's Sophie Ecclestone had put on a stellar bowling performance. After a rain delay, she took 3/22 to restrict Ireland to 118/9. Her wickets included Rebecca Stokell (9) who was stumped brilliantly by Amy Jones. Orla Prendergast (26 off 18) was bowled by Dani Gibson (2/10). Charlie Dean (2-11) and Gibson picked up another wicket each before Ecclestone struck twice in the 19th over of Ireland's innings. Ireland's lower-order batsman Louise Little (26*) added some respectability to their total.
Information
Ecclestone races to 149 wickets in Women's T20Is
Ecclestone raced to 149 wickets from 108 matches in Women's T20Is. She is currently the 5th-highest wicket-taker. Ecclestone averages 16.22 with the ball. As per ESPNcricinfo, she owns 6 wickets versus Ireland from 2 matches at just 5.83.
Do you know?
Sciver-Brunt gets to 832 T20 World Cup runs
Siver-Brunt's 48 had four fours. She now owns 3,054 runs from 139 matches at 29.65. Notably, the England skipper surpassed 350 fours for England in the format (353). In 31 T20 World Cup games, Sciver-Brunt has amassed 832 runs at 41.60.