Ireland caused a major upset in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2022 when they beat England by five runs via Duckworth-Lewis method on Wednesday, October 26, in Melbourne. The match was interrupted for rain, which forced the organisers to opt for the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Batting first, Ireland were all out for 157 in 19.2 overs. As England chased 158 runs to clinch a win, the match was interrupted by rain and they were only able to score 105 for five wickets in 14.3 overs before conceding the match by five runs via the Duckworth-Lewis method.

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For Ireland, Andrew Balbirnie scored 62 runs off 47 balls, while Lorcan Tucker played a knock of 34 runs off 27 balls. Josh Little shone for Ireland in bowling, registering a figure of 2/16 as he claimed both English openers Jos Buttler and Alex Hales. 

On the other hand, England bowled Ireland out in 19.2 overs for 157 runs. Mark Wood registered a figure of 3/34 with an economy rate of 8.50, while Liam Livingstone also claimed three wickets for 17 runs. Dawid Malan scored 35 runs off 37 balls and Moeen Ali remained unbeaten for 24 runs off 12 balls.

The win also marked Ireland’s first win in Super 12, as they were beaten by Sri Lanka on Sunday, October 23. They are currently in the fourth position in Group 1, following New Zealand, Sri Lanka and England. 

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Meanwhile, England defeated Afghanistan on Saturday, October 22. They find themselves in the third position in Group 1 courtesy of a superior run rate of +0.239, compared to Ireland’s -1.169. However, both England and Ireland will look to win the rest of their matches, if they are to qualify for the semi-final.

England will face hosts Australia on October 28 in their next match, while Ireland will play against Afghanistan on the same day.