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Dunkley Century Powers England to 3-0 Sweep Over Ireland
Confirmed
In Short: Sophia Dunkley's impressive century led England to a 114-run win over Ireland in the final ODI, securing a clean sweep in the series.
England's Sophia Dunkley smashed a career-best 119 off 119 balls, anchoring a strong 291-run total that set up a comprehensive 114-run victory over Ireland in the third ODI at Worcester.
Despite a late fightback from Ireland's spinners, including a standout performance by Cara Murray (4-56), the tourists could not overcome the formidable target, bowled out for 177 in 44.2 overs.
Dunkley's innings was supported by a 73-run opening partnership with Maia Bouchier and a second-wicket stand with Jodi Grewcock (35), while all-rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson threatened to push England beyond 300.
England's Lauren Filer and Mady Villiers starred with the ball, taking three wickets each, as Ireland's top-order batters struggled to gain momentum. The hosts collapsed from 183-1 in the 31st over to 291 all out after 48.5 overs.
Background
Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe. Geopolitically, the island is divided between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- England were eyeing a record total after opener Dunkley's second international century, but the innings fell away from 260-4 and they frustratingly lost their last six wickets for just 31 runs to be dismissed with seven balls unused.
- Dunkley added 73 for the first wicket with Maia Bouchier, who continued her fine run of form with 39, before Jodi Grewcock also wasted a good start as she was caught and bowled for 35 and Alice Capsey was unlucky to be run out backing up for 10.
- Dunkley had been threatening in the first two games, falling for 73 at Leicester before she was stitched up by Bouchier's poor running at Derby - but she was not to be denied a third time.
- The 28-year-old started patiently, reaching her half-century off 63 balls after Bouchier dominated the strike early on, before kicking on and whacking her next fifty off just 37.
- Dunkley's run-a-ball 119 set up England's 291 before Ireland were bowled out for 177 in 44.2 overs, sealing a 3-0 clean sweep for Charlie Dean's side.
- All-rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson threatened to push England beyond 300 but it was the former's wicket that kickstarted the collapse as she was caught at long-on for 23 and a run of single-figure scores followed, though Gibson kicked on to an ODI-best 41.
- Leg-spinner Cara Murray was the pick of Ireland's bowlers with 4-56 as the visitors fought back admirably, and England only managed to hit seven boundaries after Dunkley's departure in the 36th over.
- Despite the disappointing end to the innings, England still had plenty on the board in another non-contest between bat and ball.