Issy Wong produced the standout performance of her international career as England Women stormed to a six-wicket victory over Ireland Women in the second ODI in Derby on Thursday. Wong’s maiden five-wicket haul helped bowl Ireland out for just 165, before England’s batters completed the chase in only 23 overs to seal the three-match series 2-0 with one game still to play.

England’s bowlers delivered a much sharper performance than in the opening ODI, where Ireland had posted 281. Wong led the charge with figures of 5/33, while Mady Villiers and Tilly Corteen-Coleman chipped in with two wickets apiece.

Issy Wong destroys Ireland with sizzing bowling

Ireland were immediately put on the back foot after opting to bat first. Alice Tector was run out in only the second over, and captain Gaby Lewis followed soon after when Wong found the edge of her resistance by bowling her for 19. Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast briefly steadied the innings with a 45-run partnership. After Prendergast departed, Hunter joined forces with Leah Paul to add another 57 runs, giving Ireland hope of posting a competitive total.

However, the innings unravelled dramatically once Ireland reached 140/4. Villiers struck twice in quick succession to remove Prendergast and Rebecca Stokell, before Wong returned to dismantle the lower order. The fast bowler bowled Paul before dismissing Louise Little and Cara Murray in quick succession. Hunter, who had battled through for a well-made 64, became Wong’s fifth victim, completing a memorable spell for the England pacer. Corteen-Coleman then cleaned up the remaining resistance as Ireland lost their final six wickets for just 25 runs.

Maia Bouchier sets England on course for victory

England’s chase was barely troubled thanks to another aggressive contribution from Maia Bouchier. Having struck a century in the series opener, Bouchier once again attacked the bowling from the outset.She smashed four boundaries in a single over from Jane Maguire, while Sophia Dunkley joined the assault by hitting Prendergast for a six and a four. England raced beyond 50 inside seven overs before Dunkley was run out.

Bouchier continued to find the boundary but fell on the final delivery of the Powerplay after making a brisk 45 from 31 balls. Alice Capsey was subsequently trapped lbw, but England remained firmly in control. Jodi Grewcock and Freya Kemp ensured the chase never lost momentum, with Kemp eventually remaining unbeaten on 29.

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Danielle Gibson finishes the job in style

Danielle Gibson provided the finishing touch with an entertaining unbeaten 36 off just 22 deliveries. She launched two sixes in the space of three balls to bring the contest to a swift conclusion. England reached 166/4 in only 23 overs, leaving them with a massive 27 overs to spare. Ireland also struggled with their discipline, conceding 11 wides during the chase.

The emphatic victory gives England an unassailable 2-0 lead and underlines their ability to bounce back strongly after a relatively challenging bowling display in the first ODI.

Also READ: Maia Bouchier’s stunning century propels England to splendid win over Ireland in 1st Women’s ODI

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.