England had lost six wickets in their chase of 211 in the first ODI of the three-match series, but Ireland sank without a trace in the second at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast. England amassed 320-8 after Kate Cross won the toss and opted to bat. This was their second-highest total against Ireland, after 324-3 in the 1997/98 World Cup, in Pune.
Tammy Beaumont batted through the innings with an unbeaten 150 off 139 balls. She became the first from England and fourth overall (after Karen Rolton, Suzie Bates, and Chamari Athapaththu) to hit two 150s in women’s ODIs.
Freya Kemp hit 65 in 47 balls from No.5, adding 101 for the fourth wicket with Beaumont in only 79 balls. For Ireland, Arlene Kelly returned 2-61 and Freya Sargent 2-60.
In response, Ireland folded for only 45, their lowest all-out total in the format. Their previous lowest of 46 came against Australia at Dublin in 2001. At 16.5 overs, this was also their shortest all-out innings, eclipsing their 22.1-over 68 against Pakistan in Colombo in 2011.
England won by 275 runs, their largest margin of victory against any side. They improved on their 239-run triumph against Denmark at Banstead during the 1993 World Cup. Ireland, however, have lost by 347 runs, 306 runs, and 305 runs – all of them to New Zealand in 2018.
For England, Cross picked up 3-8, Lauren Filer 3-10, Kemp 2-7, and Georgia Davis 2-19. Una Raymond-Hoey (22) made nearly half of Ireland’s total with the bat.
The third ODI will be played at the same venue on September 11, followed by two T20Is at Dublin, on September 14 and 15.
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