Wong's five-wicket haul leads England to series-clinching victory
Issy Wong took her first international five-wicket haul, finishing with 5-33 as Ireland were dismissed for 165. England chased down the target in 23 overs, winning by six wickets and taking an unassailable 2-0 series lead. The final match is scheduled for Sunday at Worcester.
Wong's performance marked a significant step in her return to international cricket, having not appeared in an ODI since 2024. Her five wickets dismantled Ireland's middle and lower order, with the visitors losing their final six wickets for just 25 runs after Amy Hunter's resistance ended on 64.
England's chase was efficient but careless, with Maia Bouchier's 45 off 31 anchoring the reply before a series of avoidable dismissals — including an inexplicable run out of Sophia Dunkley — created brief wobbles. Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson steadied with an unbroken 41-run stand. The series concludes Sunday at Worcester, where England's international summer also ends.
This victory could reinforce England's growing depth in women's cricket, particularly in fast bowling, as Wong's emergence as an attack leader may ease concerns about reliance on