Big upset in T20 World Cup, Ireland beat England with Duckworth-Lewis system

Melbourne. Captain Andy Balbirnie’s half-century and Josh Little’s bowling apart from the rain graced Ireland in yet another major upset in the T20 World Cup Super 12 match by defeating England by five runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method here on Wednesday. Ireland, who made it to the Super 12 after showing the way out to the two-time champions West Indies, were bowled out for 157 runs in 19.2 overs after being invited to bat first. In response, when England scored 105 for five in 14.3 overs, rain came, due to which further play could not be played.

According to the Duckworth-Lewis method, England were then five runs behind. For Ireland, Balbirnie played an innings of 62 runs in 47 balls, which is his first and eighth half-century in the T20 World Cup. He shared an 82-run partnership for the second wicket with Lorcan Tucker (34 off 27 balls). This is Ireland’s second win over England in the World Cup. Earlier, he had defeated England in the ODI World Cup 11 years ago. Overall, this is Ireland’s third win over England. He has defeated his opponent twice in ODIs. Ireland’s win has opened the way for Australia as five of the six teams in the group now have two points each.

England had to bear the brunt of a poor start. Little (2 for 16 in three overs) sent skipper Josh Butler (nil) and Alex Hales (7) to the pavilion in his first two overs to make the difference in the end. Ben Stokes (six) was the third batsman to be dismissed in the power play. He was bowled by Fion Hand. David Malan scored 35 runs in 37 balls but Barry McCarthy dealt a big blow to England by dismissing him. When Moeen Ali (24 off 12 balls) was giving hope to England, the rain came.

Earlier, Ireland, who had lost their Super 12 match against Sri Lanka, started off aggressively as Balbirnie completed his fifty off 40 balls. He scored 59 runs in one wicket in the powerplay. Balbirnie found good support from Tucker and played some good pull shots on England pacers Wood and Chris Woakes. Ireland had completed 100 runs in just 68 balls but Tucker was run out after which they lost wickets at regular intervals. Leg-spinner Liam Livingstone (3-0-17-3) dismissed Balbirnie and George Dockrell was also sent off the next ball, and Wood (4-0-34-3) and Sam Curran (3-0-31-2) ) bundled up Ireland’s innings in 19.2 overs. Ireland’s score was 92 for one after 10 overs.