In one of the biggest upsets of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, Ireland defeated England by 5 runs via the Duckworth Lewis method. England were five runs short of the Irish total in terms of the D/L method which gave Ireland one of their most memorable wins in their cricket history. When rain interrupted the proceedings, Moeen Ali had smashed 12 runs off three balls.
Batting first, Ireland put 157 runs on board riding on a captain’s knock by skipper Andrew Balbirnie (62 off 47). After losing seasoned cricketer Paul Stirling at 21, Balbirnie and glovesman Lorkan Tucker rebuilt the innings by adding 82 runs for the second wicket.
In response, Joshua Little got Ireland off to a brilliant start by dismissing England skipper Jos Buttler and Alex Hales inside three overs to send The Three Lions on backfoot. Despite dropping many catches, Ireland kept picking wickets at regular intervals and by the time Ali got going, it was a little too late.
Balbirnie, who was adjudged Man of the Match for his half-century, said it was an emotional win for Ireland and they are trying to make the sport big back home.
“It is amazing and kind of emotional. We haven’t played a game here, to come and play the tournament favorites, with so many big names and to put on a show is very satisfying. We had a great week in Hobart and to do this was at one of the biggest grounds is pretty special. A few (supporters) of them extended their trip, they are so passionate about the game and we are trying to make the sport big in Ireland. Quite a quick turn around but we have the momentum and will try to make the most of it,” he said.
