By Zainab Shafiq 
In a landmark achievement for Irish cricket, the Ireland Women’s team secured their first-ever T20I win against England Women in a thrilling match at Clontarf. The game, which concluded the T20I series at 1-1, was marked by a dramatic finish that saw Ireland chase down a challenging target of 170 runs.
England Women set the stage with a solid performance, with Bryony Smith and Tammy Beaumont leading the charge. Their partnership of 44 runs for the first wicket set a strong foundation, with Beaumont top-scoring at 44 runs. Paige Scholfield and Georgia Adams also contributed, helping England post a total of 169-8 in their 20 overs. Arlene Kelly emerged as Ireland’s standout bowler with figures of 2-22, supported by Orla Prendergast (2-31) and Aimee Maguire (2-32).
In response, Ireland faced an early setback as Amy Hunter was dismissed in the first over. However, captain Gaby Lewis, alongside Prendergast, steadied the innings. Ireland reached 46-1 by the end of the powerplay and then saw a crucial 79-run partnership between Lewis and Prendergast. Lewis scored 38 off 35 balls before being dismissed, leaving Ireland needing 89 runs from the last 53 balls.
Huge celebrations: Ireland’s first-ever T20I win against England
Prendergast’s remarkable innings continued as she scored 50 from 39 balls, her second fifty in two days, finishing with a personal best of 80. Leah Paul supported with an unbeaten 27*, and the match came down to a nail-biting final over. Ireland required seven runs, and Christina Coulter Reilly sealed the victory with a crucial hit off the second-last ball, securing the win by five wickets.
This historic victory not only marks Ireland’s first win at Clontarf in any format but also signifies a growing competitiveness in women’s international cricket. The home crowd celebrated this historic achievement, witnessing a significant milestone in Irish cricket history.
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England Women Clinch Dominant 67-Run Victory Over Ireland Women in 1st T20I