Bairstow smash and grab grants England series win over Ireland

England clinched the series in less than their normal convincing fashion in their second ODI against Ireland, running out winners by four wickets at the Ageas Bowl thanks to Yorkshire batsman Jonny Bairstow, to take an unassailable 2-0 series lead.

After winning the toss, Irish captain Andrew Balbirnie elected to bat first, despite their woes in the first ODI just two days earlier. It seemed for a long time as though the skeletons from the first match were in play once more as the visitors were 91-6 at one stage.

It was 21-year-old all-rounder Curtis Campher once again responsible for carrying the Ireland innings to a respectable total. The South African born youngster followed his half-century on debut in the first ODI, with 68 in this match.

With help from lower-order runs from bowlers Simi Singh and Andy McBrine, Ireland posted 212-9 from their 50 overs, a marked improvement from Thursday, when they were bowled out with overs to spare.

The hosts got off to a flying start, as Bairstow returned to his best form in striking a 41-ball 82, albeit with wickets tumbling around him. Jason Roy went without scoring, whilst James Vince and Tom Banton both got starts before departing.

When Bairstow fell, skipper Eoin Morgan and vice-captain Moeen Ali soon followed, all to Irish seamer Josh Little. At this stage, England were 137-6 with the game very much in the balance.

The fall of the sixth wicket brought together Sam Billings and David Willey. Kent batsman Billings ending on an unbeaten 46 and Yorkshire all-rounder Willey was 47 not out, but the game was closer than had been expected, given the low target and Bairstow’s blistering opening.

With one match left to play on Tuesday, once more at the Ageas Bowl, England may have wrapped up the series with a match to spare, albeit in unconvincing fashion, not befitting of the current world champions. However, Morgan and the selectors may decide to make changes in the final match. For Ireland, they will look to improve once more to avoid a whitewash to start their summer.

We hope you enjoyed the article ‘England v Ireland 2nd ODI: Hosts Clinch Series.’ What did you make of England’s performance on the whole? Let us know!

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