Superb England Crush Ireland in Record ODI Chase

England’s new batting era began with a record chase and a century from Maia Bouchier. In Leicester, England reached 283-4 in 38.1 overs to beat Ireland by six wickets while chasing 282, their highest successful chase in women’s one-day internationals.

Bouchier made 104 from 95 balls and shared 143 for the first wicket with Sophia Dunkley, who struck 73 from 61. Dunkley attacked Ireland’s bowling from the start, reaching a 47-ball half-century, her fastest in ODIs. Bouchier began more cautiously, scoring eight from her first 19 deliveries, before a burst of boundaries against Jane Maguire changed the pace of her innings.

After Dunkley fell to Cara Murray in the 20th over, Bouchier stayed in control before being caught at long-on with 59 runs still needed. Alice Capsey and Freya Kemp completed the chase with a quick 54-run stand from 38 balls. Capsey hit the winning boundary and finished unbeaten on 41.

Ireland had earlier posted 281-5. Captain Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter added 136 for the second wicket, while Rebecca Stokell made an unbeaten 54 from 48 balls. England’s bowlers struggled to threaten in the middle overs, with Lauren Bell and Sophie Ecclestone rested, and Ireland also endured poor bowling and sloppy fielding.

The victory gives Charlotte Edwards’s rebuilding side a 1-0 series lead. With Heather Knight retired, Tammy Beaumont retired and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt injured, places in the top order are available as England looks toward next summer’s Ashes. The series continues in Derby on Thursday.