England secured a dominant 275-run victory over Ireland in the second ODI in Belfast, thanks to Tammy Beaumont's brilliant unbeaten 150, which powered her team to an imposing total of 320-8. Ireland, in response, collapsed to their lowest-ever ODI score of 45 all out, as England's bowlers ran riot.
Beaumont’s masterclass, her 10th ODI century – the most by any Englishwoman – set the foundation for England's commanding total. She was well-supported by Freya Kemp, who smashed 65 from 47 balls in a quickfire partnership of 101 for the fourth wicket. Beaumont's powerful knock saw her reach 150 from just 139 balls, finishing with a flurry in the last few overs.
Ireland’s chase began disastrously, losing four wickets with just eight runs on the board by the fourth over, and they never recovered. Kate Cross continued her excellent form, following her career-best figures in the first ODI with 3-8, while Lauren Filer's raw pace proved too much for Ireland, as she also claimed 3-10.
Una Raymond-Hoey was the only Irish batter to show resistance, scoring 22 from 37 balls, but her effort was in vain as Ireland crumbled against England's relentless bowling attack. Off-spinner Georgia Davis impressed on her international debut, taking 2-19, while Kemp added two wickets to her earlier heroics with the bat.
With this emphatic win, England wrapped up the series, with the third ODI scheduled for Wednesday at the same venue before the teams move to Dublin for a three-match T20 series.
Beaumont, alongside Cross, is one of the most seasoned players in an otherwise youthful England squad. While she missed out in the first ODI, Beaumont returned to her best, batting with confidence and determination throughout her innings. She played a crucial role, guiding England's newer players like Hollie Armitage and Mady Villiers through challenging spells of Irish bowling.
When Kemp joined her at the crease, the pair dominated, with Kemp registering her maiden ODI fifty from just 37 deliveries. Her innings featured seven boundaries and two sixes, giving Beaumont the platform to shift gears and accelerate from her century to 150 in just 22 balls.
Beaumont’s performance solidifies her status as one of the game’s top players, with only Australia’s Meg Lanning and New Zealand’s Suzie Bates ahead of her in terms of ODI centuries. She continues to be a key figure for England, proving once again why she’s such a valuable match-winner.