England vs Ireland 2nd ODI Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

Those with memories of the famous (or infamous, if you’re English) encounter between England and Ireland in the 2011 World Cup will be disappointed at yesterday’s match, when England all but decimated Ireland. Playing at almost full strength, the World Champions demonstrated their sheer power by putting the inexperienced Irish team in their place. David Willey put up a stellar performance, with Sam Billings and Eoin Morgan stormed the home side out of an unsavoury and potentially dangerous situation. Before we head to Southampton’s Rose Bowl for the second match, let’s review the remarkable aspects of yesterday’s game.

1st ODI: Match Analysis and Teams News

Putting Ireland to bat, England struck in the very first over by taking out veteran opener Paul Stirling. A flurry of dismissals followed, and within 6 overs, Ireland were miserable at 28-5. A bit of a hold from Gareth Delany and 2011’s hero Kevin O’Brien took them to 79, but they immediately slid to 7 down for the same score. Thankfully, allrounder Curtis Campher and bowler Andy McBrine put up a solid partnership - with 59 and 40 respectively - to help bring Ireland to a defendable 172. 

Man of the Match David Willey was definitely the pick of the English bowlers, putting all his skills on display for a fantastic 5-wicket haul with 2 maidens on the side. Moreover, he achieved this in only 8.4 overs. Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, and Tom Curran picked up another four wickets, with all but Curran keeping their economy rates at 4 or below.

Ireland’s luck continued to spiral downwards as their opening bowler Barry McCarthy left the field with a hamstring injury after just 5 deliveries. Nevertheless, on their turn out, England looked shaky at the start, scoring runs quickly but also losing wickets at regular intervals. For Ireland, Craig Young took out Jason Roy and James Vince, while the aforementioned McBrine and Campher contributed with the ball with a wicket each. 

After Sam Billings and Eoin Morgan took to the crease at 78-4, however, England sailed to a smooth victory courtesy of some explosive batting by the duo. Within 27.5 overs, the game was over. 

England vs Ireland 2nd ODI Prediction

After such a dominating win, the only thing that can hold England back from another rampage is complacency. As long as they have their feet grounded, on paper they should win bar something truly special from Ireland. Expect Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow to redeem themselves, while Willey and Adil Rashid do well with the ball.

Ireland has some talent, but their inexperience is clearly showing. Moreover, England are far from the World Cup chokers of old. It will take something truly special (the last time they beat England, in 2011, they had to break several records to get there) for them to triumph and level the series. Expect Gareth Delany and Kevin O’Brien to do better with the bat, while Craig Young and Curtis Campher shine with the ball.

Who will win the 3rd match?

Betting Tips:

• Toss - Ireland

• ENG top batsman – J Roy

• IRE top batsman - G Delany

• Team with the most boundaries - ENG

• Players to hit most boundaries - J Roy (AUS), G Delany (IRE) 

• Players to score a hundred - J Roy (ENG), G Delany (IRE)

• Players to score a fifty – J Roy/J Bairstow/S Billings (ENG), G Delany/P Stirling/K O’Brien (IRE)

• Players to take most wickets - A Rashid (ENG), Craig Young (IRE)

• Team to hit the most fours - ENG

• Team to hit the most sixes - ENG

Will England continue to dominate their neighbouring minnows? Or will Ireland channel their inner David to conquer Goliath once more? Find out on Saturday!