Orla Prendergast was part of a T20 World Cup match in which England beat Ireland by four wickets, but the bigger twist came when Nat Sciver-Brunt retired out on 48 after feeling tightness in her calf. England still got over the line, and the result kept their 100% start intact.
Nat Sciver-Brunt on 48
Sciver-Brunt’s exit came during England’s chase of 119, a chase that had already turned awkward when they slipped to 35-3. She later called the move “Just precautionary. Felt a bit of tightness in my calf and didn't want to push it.”
Her own assessment was simple: “Really happy. Two different looking games, but we got over the line.” England did get there, but not without a fitness scare around the captain in a tournament where one player missing a match can reshape selection in a hurry.
Sophie Ecclestone holds Ireland
Ireland had earlier reached 118-9 after taking 17 runs off the final over, a finish that gave their total some late respectability. Sophie Ecclestone took 3-22 for England and helped prevent that late burst from becoming a match-winning total.
Gaby Lewis said Ireland were short of what they needed, adding, “We knew it was under par. We would have ideally liked to get close to 150.” She also pointed to the start of their innings, saying, “After their powerplay, you're like 'ach, what could another 20 runs have done?'”
England’s unbeaten start
Lewis said Ireland’s powerplay was the problem, explaining, “Overall proud of the girls. Our powerplay isn't ideal, losing three wickets - that's something we need to rectify. Bowling really good, our energy in the field was brilliant and if we can carry those positives forward I'll be happy.”
Sciver-Brunt added one more warning for England’s run in the T20 World Cup: “We can't take any game lightly. We found that in the previous T20 World Cup when it came down to net run rate. Hopefully we can keep winning.” That leaves England with a clean record and a captain whose calf will now be watched closely after she chose not to push through the tightness.
