Ireland beat England in chaotic last-ball thriller

Third ODI, Belfast

England 153 (20.5 overs): Beaumont 52 (42); A Maguire 5-19

Ireland 155-7 (22 overs): Lewis 72 (56); Villiers 3-30

Ireland won by three wickets (DLS method)

Scorecard

Ireland overcame a chaotic batting collapse to earn a consolation three-wicket victory in the rain-affected third and final one-day international, their first win over England in the format since 2001.

With eight needed from the final over, Ireland lost three wickets in three balls to leave four runs required from the last ball, from which Alana Dalzell struck the winning boundary.

They were cruising to their target of 155 from 22 overs, needing 18 from the final three with eight wickets in hand, before Lauren Filer took two wickets in the 19th over to get England back in the hunt.

Then the drama unfolded in the final over bowled by spinner Mady Villiers, with Una Raymond-Hoey run out before Alice Tector and Jane Maguire both fell for first-ball ducks.

But Dalzell, coming in at number nine, held her nerve and smacked her first ball down the ground, where it was misjudged by Hollie Armitage at long-on and trickled over the ropes to give Ireland their historic win.

After heavy morning rain, the match was reduced to 22 overs a side and England started positively with opener Tammy Beaumont continuing her fine form with 52 from 42 balls.

But a youthful England side were left to rue a collapse of six wickets for 46 runs, slipping from 107-3 to 153 all out as spinner Jane Maguire ripped through the middle and lower order with her career-best 5-19.

Despite the nervous finish that was indicative of Ireland's inexperience, it was an impressive response with both bat and ball after being bowled out for 45 just two days ago.