Ireland upset mighty England by five runs by DLS method in their important game of ICC T20 World Cup 2022 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 26.
Winning skipper and Player of the Match, Andrew Balbirnie said:
We were slightly disappointed with the way we finished, we lost 7 wickets for not a lot and they took the momentum away from us. Our message was to just create chances and we know how this England team like to play, if we take every chance then we would be in with a shot. It was tough, they (England) have some express pace and different variations, we rode our luck, took a few blows and moved forward. The platform was pretty well laid and Tucker played well. It is amazing and kind of emotional. We haven’t played a game here, to come and play the tournament favorites, with so many big names and to put on a show is very satisfying. We had a great week in Hobart and to do this was at one of the biggest grounds is pretty special. A few (supporters) of them extended their trip, they are so passionate about the game and we are trying to make the sport big in Ireland. Quite a quick turn around but we have the momentum and will try to make the most of it.”
Losing skipper, Jos Buttler said:
Specially in the first 10 overs with the ball. I thought we were poor and allowed Ireland to get away. We were not consistent enough, let them score on both sides, there were some favourable conditions for bowling, we had everything in our favour; winning the toss and electing to field knowing the weather, we didn’t take advantage of that. The second 10 overs were much better, we let Ireland get 20-30 runs too many in the first 10 and were under pressure to restrict them. They showed us how to bowl on that wicket. Myself getting out in the first over, that’s never ideal and we never managed to grab the initiative. They bowled well and used the wicket well. It (the rain) was going to get heavier and heavier wasn’t it, but again as I said we won the toss and chose to bowl with the advantage of knowing what to do with the bat. They outplayed us in all three facets of the game and the better team won. We know we have made a mistake here and have put more pressure on us, but certainly if you needed a game to get going then England-Australia is one of those.”
