Women’s T20 World Cup, Group 2, Southampton
Ireland 118-9 (20 overs): Prendergast 26 (18), Little 26* (15); Ecclestone 3-22, Dean 2-11, Gibson 2-10
England 119-6 (17.3 overs): Sciver-Brunt 48 (38); Prendergast 2-17
England won by four wickets
A major injury scare around captain Nat Sciver-Brunt overshadowed England’s four-wicket victory over Ireland at the T20 World Cup in Southampton.
With nine runs needed, Sciver-Brunt, who has only just returned from a calf injury, retired on 48 and walked straight to the dressing room.
England later said she had suffered “tightness” in her left calf – the same leg as the recent injury – and left the field as a precaution.
After Sciver-Brunt left the field, England also lost Freya Kemp for two before edging home in pursuit of 119 with 15 balls to spare.
But, while the hosts now have two wins from two at begin their home World Cup, they now have a significant worry about the fitness of their captain.
She had previously appeared untroubled in putting on 64 with Heather Knight after Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones and Alice Capsey fell in the space of 10 balls.
Earlier, Sophie Ecclestone took three wickets and Dani Gibson and Charlie Dean two apiece, as England dominated much of Ireland’s innings of 118-9.
England have four days until their next match – a meeting with Scotland at Headingley.
Ireland, who have lost two from two, stay in Southampton to play winless New Zealand on Friday.