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T20 World Cup: Ireland beat England to win by 5 runs

England’s Twenty20 World Cup hopes were dashed by a surprise five-run defeat to Ireland in due to the Australian rains.

When rain interrupted play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday, England were 105 for five in the 15th over, seeking 158 for win, with Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone batting.

After 14.3 overs, England were 105-5, five runs short of the DLS par score of 110, when the rain that had created problems earlier in the game reappeared and did not let up in time for the action to restart.

After his team had dragged to 29-3 in the powerplay and then 86-5 in the 14th over, Moeen Ali (24 off 12) got going with three fours and a six, but weather had the ultimate say as Ireland achieved a remarkable victory and wounded England’s title chances.

Both England captain Buttler and fast bowler Mark Wood bemoaned their team’s lack of determination as they failed to get above the necessary run rate before rain cut short their run chase at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, leaving Ireland to rejoice a historic win 11 years after their previous major World Cup triumph over the same team.

Buttler took particular aim at England’s ineptitude with the ball, as Ireland amassed 59-1 after their six-over Powerplay and scored 103 runs in 12 overs even before second wicket fell.

Ireland surged to 92-1 after 10 overs before succumbing to a mid-order collapse and were all out with four balls left.

England’s batting order failed to gain traction, falling to 29 for three with only one boundary in the first five overs as the Irish bowlers gained speed and swing.

Andy Balbirnie, Captain of Ireland: “We were disappointed with losing seven wickets in a heap late in our innings. It was tough, their bowlers had good variations. Our message was to create chances to be in with a shot. But we were off the blocks with Lorcan Tucker, he took a few blows but continued. It’s amazing, kind of emotional. To come here against tournament favourites here at the MCG, where we have never played a game before, is amazing. A few of the fans in the crowd have extended their stay. Their support has been wonderful and will do a lot to grow the game back home. We have Afghanistan here on Friday, quick turnaround. Look forward to it. We were fortunate drops did not cost us but we need to improve.”

Jos Buttler, Captain of England: “I thought we were poor in the first 10 overs and let them get away. We were not consistent enough, let them score on both sides of the wicket. The second ten overs were much better. We let them have 20-30 more in the first ten but pulled it back. Myself getting out first over didn’t help, we never managed to get initiative. The rain’s gotten heavier and heavier, so no problem of coming out when we did. Ireland were excellent, they outplayed us. We made a mistake here and has made it difficult in a tough group.”

England, according to Buttler, did not bowl well enough throughout Ireland’s innings, but Andrew Balbirnie’s team was able to infuse uncertainty into their innings to restrict the rate of scoring.

“When Ireland bowled, there was a bit of movement and inconsistent bounce in the pitch, and it was probably our lines and not being consistent enough that harmed us,” said Buttler. “Ireland deserves credit for making good use of the circumstances. I believe we are far short of merely the talent level today. We didn’t put forth enough effort. You attempt to react to things, but we didn’t always respond appropriately.”

As rain interrupted play for the last time, England was declared five runs behind, earning Ireland a memorable triumph. “It’s incredible, sort of emotional,” man-of-the-match Balbirnie remarked. “Our message was to just generate opportunities, and we know how this England squad likes to play. If we take every opportunity, we’ll be in with a chance. This will help to expand the game at home.”

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