Maia Bouchier ton scripts England’s record ODI chase

England made light work of Ireland’s 281/5 and romped to their highest successful ODI run-chase, courtesy an exuberant century from Maia Bouchier. The opening batter slammed 11 fours in her 95-ball knock worth 104 and added 143 off 118 deliveries with experienced campaigner Sophia Dunkley to put England well ahead of the curve early. Dunkley scored 73 off 61 while the two others who followed the pair were quick too – Alice Capsey 41* (40) and Freya Kemp 36 (22), to facilitate the home team’s win in just the 39th over at the Grace Road in Leicester.

Earlier, Ireland enjoyed an impressive first half to the fixture as their innings was built on a solid second-wicket partnership of 136 off 152 balls between Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis. However, the total they put up on the board could not daunt an able side like England, who got there with six wickets remaining intact thanks to a fine performance by Bouchier. She continued to pile on the runs, quickly putting daylight between Ireland and a win.

Brief Scores: Ireland 281/5 in 50 overs (Gaby Lewis 69, Amy Hunter 62, Rebecca Stokell 54*; Charlie Dean 2-44, Issy Wong 2-57) lost to England 283/4 in 38.1 overs (Maia Bouchier 104, Sophia Dunkley 73; Cara Murray 3-58) by 6 wickets