England vs Ireland, 2nd ODI - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: Ireland tour of England, 2020 Venue: The Rose Bowl, Southampton Date & Time: Aug 01, 02:00 PM LOCAL

Willey would look to build on his impressive show in the first game © AFP

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England take series after wobble

Jonny Bairstow's scintillating 41-ball 82 and a disciplined effort with the ball powered England to a series-clinching four-wicket victory. The hosts chased down the target of 213 in just 32.3 overs.

However, it wasn't exactly plain sailing for England in their chase, as they lost wickets at regular intervals. The home team began the chase by losing Jason Roy in the first over. The aggressive opener drove a wide half-volley from Craig Young straight into the hands of the fielder at cover. Bairstow, his batting partner, took over by cracking a flurry of shots, including pulls, jabs, lofts and flicks. He reached his 50 in a mere 21 balls, which also turned out to be the joint-fastest half-century by an Englishman in ODIs.

Despite losing James Vince and Tom Banton, Bairstow continued to play with freedom. The way he drilled Joshua Little twice straight down the ground in the 14th capsulised his positive intent. At the end of 13 overs, England already had 120 on the board for the loss of just three wickets, and they were on course for an easy win. However, there was a twist in the tale with the hosts losing three wickets in quick succession.

After missing out on a couple of slower short balls, Bairstow tried to club a delivery that was angled across him by Little, only to edge it behind. Eoin Morgan, the skipper, didn't last long as he cut a short and wide delivery into the hands of the fielder at cover-point. England were dented further when Moeen Ali top-edged a pull off Little to Lorcan Tucker. With the score reading 143 for 6, David Willey joined Sam Billings joined forces to calm down the nerves in the England camp.

Willey drove, punched and pulled to put the pressure back on Ireland's bowlers. The all-rounder even smacked a one-handed six over backward square-leg. On the other hand, Billings continued his good form in the series with a well-paced unbeaten innings to take the hosts past the finishing line.

Inching closer

Despite losing wickets, England have continued to play with bravado. Willey gave a glimpse of his hitting prowess by tonking four boundaries and a six. Billings has played with a sense of maturity, as England inch closer...

England... wobble

One brings two and also three! Eoin Morgan cracked the cut straight into the hands of the fielder at cover-point. It was short, wide and asking to be tonked. Morgan though found the fielder with perfection. Moeen then tried the pull and could only eke a top-edge.

England wobbling at 137 for 6! Little with two wickets.

Sigh of relief for Ireland

Ireland would have a sigh of relief. Bairstow falls for a breezy 82 off just 41 balls. End of a scintillating innings where his strike rate was 200! 14 boundaries and two sixes. He tried to club a delivery that was angled across him, only to edge one behind.

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Vince too joins the act

James Vince is also among the wickets. He has picked up his maiden ODI scalp! The Ireland skipper would be disappointed with the soft dismissal.

Banged in short at medium pace, Balbirnie was looking for the pull, but decided to let the ball go through at the 'nth' moment,. However, he couldn't drag his bat back in time and edged it behind.

Willey on song

Willey found some swing to trouble Ireland's batters, especially Delany. Eventually, he dismissed the inexperienced batsman with the inswinger. The left-armer also removed Stirling with the a full delivery, as the opener chased it, only to be caught by Banton. Sharp catch. He is bowling with excellent rhythm.

Topley, meanwhile, has bowled with a decent burst of pace.

Toss and teams

Ireland have won the toss and opted to bat. Runs on the board is the mantra. Joshua Little and Peter Chase, two bowlers who can bowl with a decent burst of pace, have been included.

England, on the other hand, have given Topley a chance. The bowler on a comeback trail, after going through back problems.

Here's something on how Topley battled through pain and agony.

Ireland (Playing XI): Paul Stirling, Gareth Delany, Andrew Balbirnie(c), Harry Tector, Kevin O Brien, Lorcan Tucker(w), Curtis Campher, Simi Singh, Andy McBrine, Joshua Little, Craig Young

England (Playing XI): Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow(w), James Vince, Tom Banton, Eoin Morgan(c), Sam Billings, Moeen Ali, David Willey, Reece Topley, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood

Build Up:

Despite a wobble, England registered a comfortable six-wicket victory over Ireland in the first match of the three-game ODI series in Southampton. David Willey, the left-arm paceman, on a comeback trail, made a huge impact, picking up his career-best haul in ODIs. Among the fringe players, Sam Billings also gave a good account of himself with an unbeaten 67.

In the absence of some of their mainstays, England would look to continue to test their bench strength in the second ODI at the same ground. On a side note, Liam Livingstone has replaced the injured Joe Denly in the squad.

Ireland, meanwhile, would hope for a better show from their batting unit. The visitors' top-order was blown away by Willey. On a slightly two-paced deck, the batsmen were guilty of throwing their wickets away. However, there was a silver lining for the Ireland side, with Curtis Campher, the young all-rounder, composing an undefeated fifty and then bowling at lively pace. He bagged the wicket of Tom Banton.

The tourists also have a couple of injury worries. Barry McCarthy sustained an ankle injury in the first game. Boyd Rankin, the experienced paceman, has been laid low by a back issue, with Peter Chase replacing him in the squad.

To know more about the second game of the Cricket World Cup Super League, check out our preview.