Bairstow blitz sees England past Ireland

Jonny Bairstow equalled England's fastest ODI fifty and helped the hosts to a second consecutive ODI victory over Ireland to settle the series.

England followed up their emphatic Rose Bowl victory on Thursday with a less assured four-wicket win at the same venue on Saturday as they chased down 213. 

The third and final match takes place next week with England now 2-0 up.

Curtis Campher (68) impressed again as he anchored Ireland's innings, with Adil Rashid taking 3-34.

In reply, Bairstow reached his half-century off just 21 balls, equalling captain Eoin Morgan's record, before eventually falling for 82 from 41 deliveries in a knock that contained 14 fours and two sixes.

That is some shot from Jonny!Our joint-fastest ODI half-century pic.twitter.com/3c74AnYLOD

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 1, 2020

Following his dismissal, England promptly lost Morgan and Moeen Ali for ducks, leaving them suddenly struggling at 137-6.

But the two stars of the first match, Sam Billings (46 not out) and David Willey (47no), again came to the fore and got the world champions over the line with 17.3 overs to spare.

Published 02 Aug 2020, 01:12 IST

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