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IRELAND TOUR OF ENGLAND, 2020
Live Cricket Score - England v Ireland, 1st ODI, Southampton
Live Score Updates
England 174-4 (27.5 Ovs)
Eoin Morgan 36 (40)
Ireland 172-10
Simi Singh 3.5-0-23-0
England won by 6 wkts
Jason Roy will look to start the season with a bang © Getty
Morgan, Willey show
Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings shared an unbeaten partnership of 96 to pilot England to a comfortable six-wicket victory versus Ireland in the first match of the three-game ODI rubber in Southampton. David Willey also played a key role in England's convincing win by picking up his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs, as the hosts began their Cricket World Cup Super League campaign on the right note.
In pursuit of a modest target of 173, England lost wickets at regular intervals and found themselves in a spot of bother at 78 for 4. Andy McBrine, the off-spinner, made the initial incision when he dismissed Jonny Bairstow LBW. The loud appeal for the LBW was turned down. However, Ireland placed their belief in the review system and got it reversed. Jason Roy, his opening partner, played with freedom as he slog-swept McBrine for a six. He also took on Craig Young by collecting a couple of boundaries.
Young, though, had the last laugh when he trapped Roy plumb in front. The aggressive opener paid the price for getting caught in the crease. Despite losing a couple of wickets, the home side's batsmen continued to deal in boundaries. James Vince, in particular, cracked elegant drives and flicks before he wafted at a length delivery and was caught behind. Curtis Campher, who had already made an impact in the game with a well-measured unbeaten 59, also gave a glimpse of his ability with the ball in hand by removing Tom Banton.
The middle-order batsman was hurried by a short of a length delivery from the all-rounder, and edged it to the 'keeper. Incidentally, Campher had also dismissed Banton at the Under-19 level. At that stage, Morgan and Billings joined forces to steady the innings.
The pair employed the reverse sweep to good effect. Billings also cracked the occasional cut and flick to keep the scorecard ticking over. Morgan, eventually, provided the finishing touches by tonking Simi Singh for a six. Meanwhile, Billings ended up with his highest score in ODIs.
England inch closer...
Morgan and Billings cracked trademark reverse sweeps off Simi Singh and McBrine, as England inched closer. After the wobble at the start of the innings, the duo of Morgan and Billings have steadied the innings. Just over 30 more runs needed now.
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