Eoin Morgan top-scored for England but Ireland were denied a potentially massive upset at cricket’s Twenty20 World Cup after an evening of rain in Guyana.
Dubliner Morgan, who hit a dazzling 55 against West Indies on Monday, was again the top runscorer for the English with 45 off 38 balls on a tricky batting surface.
Next best for the English was Luke Wright on 20 as Ireland produced a fantastic performance in the field.
Craig Kieswetter and Michael Yardy were run out, the latter by a stunning direct hit from the deep by veteran Trent Johnston, as the Irish cricketers cranked up the pressure on their more illustrious opponents.
With Morgan leading the fight – his innings included the only six of the game as well as a trademark inventive reverse flick for four – England posted a total of 120 for 8 off their 20 overs.
Ireland opener Paul Stirling was caught brilliantly by a diving Michael Lumb catch that had looked a definite six when it left the big teenager’s bat.
Niall O’Brien, the batting hero of the 2007 One-Day International World Cup win over Pakistan, came to the crease and showed himself to be in good form with successive fours off the bowling of Ryan Sidebottom.
Before he could face another ball, however, and with just 3.3 overs gone, the rain came down and no further play was possible.
The game thus ended in a “No Result”, giving each side a point but allowing England to advance courtesy of their greater run rate during the tournament.
Ireland can go home with their heads held high but will be left to rue what might have been.
Still want more? Why not read our Ireland v England – as it happened?
And if that’s not enough, have your say on the Twenty20 World Cup – and anything else that comes to mind – over at the JOE forum.
