2 times when Ireland stunned England in World Cup events

By Karan Rawat Oct 26, 2022, 14:59 IST

The first round of the ongoing T20 World Cup was full of big games and incredible performances. We witnessed some big upsets in the first round. Namibia beat Asian champions Sri Lanka and then Ireland beat two-times champions the West Indies. But now, the "Super 12" has also produced a big upset in this competition.

This time, Ireland beat England by five runs at the MCG. Although the win came by the DLS method, it has changed all the tables in Group 1. England, who were looking like favourites to qualify for the next round, will have to face the defending champions, Australia, in a do-or-die encounter on Friday at the MCG. Notably, this was the second win for Ireland against England in the history of their game, and both have come in a World Cup event.

2. Ireland (5 runs) vs England in Melbourne 2022 T20 WC

On Wednesday, Ireland registered their first win in the ongoing "Super 12" stage of the competition by five runs. This win came after the rain stopped the play and England were behind by 5 runs to the DLS target in their chase. Ireland were dismissed for 157 runs in 19.2 overs courtesy of skipper Andy Balbirnie's 47-ball 62.

Chasing the target, England lost Jos Buttler (0), Alex Hales (7) and Ben Stokes (6) early. Dawid Malan (35 off 37) and Harry Brook (18 off 21) tried to steady the ship, but they too fell. In the end, Moeen Ali hit three fours and one six. England were at 105/5 in 14.3 overs when rain came and Ireland were rewarded with a 5-run win.

1 Ireland (3 wickets) vs England in Bengalore in 2011 ODI WC

The first ever win and one of the most famous upsets in history came in the 2011 ODI World Cup in India, when England took on Ireland in Bengaluru. England scored a massive total of 327/8 in 50 overs. Jonathan Trott (92) and Ian Bell (81) were the top scorers for England. In reply Ireland lost their first wicket off the very first ball of the chase.

But after that, they had a few good partnerships in the middle. But the game-changing innings came from the ball of all-rounder Kevin O'Brien, who made the fastest century in ODI World Cup history. He scored a 50-ball century and made 113 runs off just 63 balls, including 13 fours and six maximums. Ireland chased down the target in 49.1 overs and made 329/7 to create history.