England Seal Ireland ODI Series As Wong Takes Career-Best 5 For 33

Issy Wong took the first five-wicket haul of her international career and won England the Ireland ODI series with a match to spare. Her 5 for 33 bowled Ireland out for 165 at Derby on Thursday. England knocked off the runs in 23 overs, reaching 166 for 4 with 27 overs unused. The margin was six wickets. England lead the three-match series 2-0.

The bowling was a different proposition from the opener. Ireland had made 281 in that game, and England still chased it down. This time Ireland were 140 for 4 and did not reach 170.

Ireland lose their last six for 25

Alice Tector was run out in the second over. Wong then bowled the Ireland captain Gaby Lewis for 19. Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast put on 45 to steady it, and Hunter added 57 more with Leah Paul. Cricket Times reports that the innings turned at 140 for 4, when Mady Villiers removed Prendergast and Rebecca Stokell in quick succession.

Wong took the rest. She bowled Paul, then dismissed Louise Little and Cara Murray. Hunter went last of the five for 64. Tilly Corteen-Coleman cleaned up the tail. Ireland lost their final six wickets for 25 runs.

• Issy Wong 5 for 33
• Mady Villiers 2 wickets
• Tilly Corteen-Coleman 2 wickets

A sixth ODI, four years after the debut

Wong was 20 when she first played for England in 2022. This was her sixth ODI. The gap between those two numbers is the story of her international career so far, and Derby was where the ledger moved. She was named player of the match.

She credited a team-mate for the technical work. "Lauren Bell has been brilliant at really passing on her knowledge," Wong told the ICC, referring to their time together at Southern Brave in the Hundred. On the performance itself she said: "I feel like I've come on a lot and it feels like I've worked quite hard."

Bouchier and Gibson finish it inside 23 overs

Maia Bouchier scored 104 in the first ODI. She went after the bowling again here, taking four boundaries off one Jane Maguire over, and made 45 from 31 balls before falling on the last ball of the powerplay. Sophia Dunkley was run out. Alice Capsey was lbw. England were never behind the rate.

Jodi Grewcock and Freya Kemp kept it moving, Kemp finishing unbeaten on 29. Danielle Gibson ended it with 36 not out from 22 balls, including two sixes in three deliveries. Cricket Times counted 11 wides in the Ireland effort.

Worcester hosts the last match on Sunday

The third ODI is at Worcester on September 6. The series is already decided. For England it is a selection window, and for Wong it is a chance to back up the best day of her international career.