Ireland’s thrilling final-ball victory in the third ODI against England has ignited a surge of optimism within the team as they prepare for the T20 leg of the tour in Dublin. Gaby Lewis, Ireland’s stand-in captain, believes the momentum from their triumph will propel them to success in the shorter format.
Lewis’s match-winning 72 from 56 balls in the third ODI was instrumental in Ireland’s narrow three-wicket victory. Despite a spirited fightback from England, led by Lauren Filer and Mady Villiers, Ireland’s lower-order held their nerve to secure the win.
The result may not have altered the series outcome, which England claimed 2-1, but it has instilled a sense of belief in the Irish team. After the disappointment of failing to qualify for the T20 World Cup, the victory has provided a much-needed boost.
“It’s huge,” said Lewis. “It puts the defeat in the last game to the back of our minds. We’re looking forward to bringing that positivity into these two games this weekend.”
The fact that Ireland prevailed in a shortened 22-over contest has further bolstered their confidence in the T20 format. “It gives us that confidence in the T20 format,” said Lewis. “We’re looking forward to a 2-0 series win this weekend!”
England captain Kate Cross acknowledged Ireland’s superiority in the third ODI but praised her team’s resilience. “Ireland were the better team in that third ODI,” said Cross. “But what our girls did really well was they fought to stay in the game.”
Cross also highlighted the learning opportunities presented by the setback, particularly for the six new caps who featured in the series. “We got a little bit of a sniff at the end of that game,” said Cross. “But incidents like what happened with Hollie [Armitage’s misfield] are just part of the game.”
England’s T20I squad will feature several new faces, including Seren Smale and Charis Pavely. Katie George has also been called up as cover for Mahika Gaur, who is recovering from a side strain.
“Mahika is coming back from an injury,” said Cross. “Katie’s been added to the squad to just give us a little bit more depth in the seam attack.”
With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, both Ireland and England will be eager to make a statement in the upcoming matches. Ireland will be looking to continue their winning ways, while England will be determined to prove their mettle in the shorter format.
