Wong stars as England thump Ireland to seal series

Wong stars as England thump Ireland to seal series Second ODI, The OurCoop County Ground, Derby Ireland 165 (47 overs): Hunter 64 (96); Wong 5-33 England 166-4 (23 overs): Bouchier 45 (31); McCartney 2-45 England won by six wickets; series lead 2-0 Issy Wong claimed her first ODI five‑wicket haul, finishing with 5‑33 as Ireland were dismissed for 165 in 47 overs. England chased the target in just 23 overs, reaching 166‑4 to clinch the series 2‑0 with a match to spare. The chase began positively, with openers Maia Bouchier and Sophia Dunkley adding 54 runs in the first seven overs. Bouchier struck 45 off 31 balls before a mix‑up saw her run out Dunkley for 20. Moments later Bouchier was caught off a short delivery from spinner Kia McCartney. Alice Capsey fell lbw for a single, while Jodi Grewcock chipped 1 to mid‑wicket for 24. The unbroken stand of 41 between all‑rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson steadied the innings and guided England to victory. Ireland’s batting showed promise after posting 281 in the opener, but the absence of experienced contributors Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast was evident. After Wong removed Lewis for 19, Amy Hunter compiled her second fifty in as many games, yet she lacked support from the other end. Hunter eventually fell to Wong for 64, and Ireland lost their final six wickets for only 25 runs. The series and England’s ODI summer will conclude at Worcester on Sunday.