England Target Series Win as Ireland Bat First in Second Women’s ODI

By Benson Daniel

England are aiming to secure the three match women’s ODI series against Ireland when the teams meet in the second game at the County Ground in Derby.

England won the toss and elected to bowl first, putting Ireland under early pressure as they look to build on their emphatic victory in the opening match in Leicester.

The hosts won the first ODI by six wickets after successfully chasing Ireland’s 281 for five with 71 balls to spare. Maia Bouchier produced the standout performance, hitting 104 from 95 deliveries, while Sophia Dunkley added 73 from 61 balls. The result gave England a 1 0 lead in the series.

Ireland began the second match with an early setback when Alice Tector was run out for three, with Sophia Dunkley completing the dismissal from mid off. Captain Gaby Lewis then fell for 19, bowled by Issy Wong, leaving Ireland two wickets down inside the opening 10 overs.

Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast subsequently settled the innings, working the ball around and gradually rebuilding after the early losses. By the end of the 20th over, Ireland had moved to 72 for two, with Hunter on 21 and Prendergast on 23.

England have made changes to the side for the Derby contest, with Ryana MacDonald-Gay returning to international cricket in place of Lauren Filer. Alice Capsey is also taking the gloves, while Charlie Dean continues as stand in captain.

MacDonald-Gay’s return is particularly notable after her long absence from international cricket. Her previous appearance came during the Women’s Ashes Test in February 2025 before a lower back injury kept her out of action.

Ireland have also made one change, bringing Georgina Dempsey into the side for Arlene Kelly. Captain Lewis will again lead a batting line up that showed considerable promise in the opening game, although England ultimately overwhelmed them with an aggressive chase.

The first ODI exposed both the strengths and weaknesses of England’s experimental side. Their batting proved capable of dismantling a sizeable target, but the team also conceded 33 extras, including 20 wides, and captain Dean acknowledged that improvements were needed in the field and with the ball.

England are using the series to give opportunities to several players while established names including Nat Sciver Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone are rested. The absence of some of the team’s senior figures has opened the door for younger players to stake their claim as England continue rebuilding following the retirements of Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont.

For Ireland, the second ODI provides an opportunity to respond after a match in which their batting produced a competitive total but their bowlers struggled to contain England’s powerful response.

Hunter and Lewis both scored half centuries in the opening match, while Rebecca Stokell also passed fifty to help Ireland post 281 for five. Bouchier’s century and Dunkley’s rapid start, however, turned the contest into a one sided chase.

England will now hope their bowlers can restrict Ireland to a manageable total before their batting unit takes over. Ireland, meanwhile, need a stronger bowling performance and disciplined fielding if they are to prevent England from taking an unassailable 2 0 lead.

The third and final ODI is scheduled for Sunday in Worcester, meaning Ireland have little room for error if they are to keep the series alive.