IRE-W vs ENG-W, 1st ODI Review: Kate Cross' all-round show leads England Women to comprehensive win over Ireland

Ireland Women took on England Women in the first ODI at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on September 7. Ireland won the toss and opted to bat first. The hosts had an underwhelming start losing both openers within six overs. Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast stitched a 53-run stand for the third wicket before Hunter was dismissed for 37 off 45 balls.

Prendergast found another partner in the form of Leah Paul as the duo put up 77 runs for the fourth wicket. Prendergast departed in the 31^st over after a resilient innings. She scored 76 off 87 deliveries complemented by eight boundaries and a maximum. Leah was next in the line falling for an unfortunate runout, courtesy of Freya Kemp, scoring 33 off 54. Alice Tector’s 21 off 26 was another notable contribution and Ireland were bundled for 210 in 46.5 overs.

Chasing a gettable target, England fumbled identically to Ireland’s plight, losing two batters for 32 runs in 6.1 overs. But the middle order was as solid as a fort in the form of Hollie Armitage and Paige Scholfield. The duo opted for a subdued approach and they shared 63 balls between them scoring 62 runs for the third wicket. Scholfield was back in the hut scoring 31 off 33 and Hollie followed suit after six balls, scoring 44 of as many balls. 

Freya Kemp and Mady Villiers contributed 26 and 13 respectively. But Bass Heath and skipper, Kate Cross ensured there were no further hiccups. Both the batters scored 33* and 38* respectively and took England over the line within 35 overs. Having mentioned Kate, she was the star bowler with figures of 6/30 in 9.5 overs and was adjudged the Player of the Match.