England Women’s cricket team secured an emphatic 275-run victory over Ireland in the second ODI at Stormont, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Tammy Beaumont’s unbeaten 150 was the cornerstone of England’s dominant performance, while Kate Cross’s career-best bowling figures of 3 for 8 dismantled Ireland’s batting lineup.
Beaumont’s century, her 10th in ODIs, propelled her to the top of England’s all-time list for most hundreds in the format. She now trails only Meg Lanning (15) and Suzie Bates (13) on the overall list. The 31-year-old opener faced just 139 deliveries, striking 16 fours and a six, as England chased down Ireland’s paltry total of 45 with 33.1 overs to spare.
Ireland’s batting collapse was triggered by Cross, who claimed three wickets in her opening spell. The England captain, who had also starred with both bat and ball in the first ODI, continued her impressive form, bowling with pace and accuracy. Freya Kemp, who is part of England’s T20 World Cup squad but was sent to Ireland to regain form, contributed 65 runs to England’s total. The 19-year-old all-rounder also chipped in with two wickets.
Lauren Filer, who was overlooked for the T20 World Cup, took 3 for 10, while debutant Georgia Davis claimed 2 for 19. Ireland’s total of 45 was their lowest-ever in ODIs, highlighting the gulf in class between the two sides.
Beaumont, who has been dropped from England’s T20I team, emphasized that her performance was not about proving anyone wrong. “I’ve got nothing left to prove in my game,” she said. “I’m playing for me and playing for England and playing for my team-mates.”
The victory extends England’s dominance over Ireland, who have now lost 10 consecutive ODIs against their rivals. The two teams will meet again in the third and final ODI on Wednesday, before England travel to Dublin for three T20Is.
