England took control of Group 2 in the Women’s T20 World Cup when they beat Ireland by four wickets for a second successive win here at Boland Park. Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone showed why she was in demand at the Indian Women’s Premier League auction when she sparked an Ireland collapse to 105 all out. Ecclestone, bought by the Uttar Pradesh Warriorz franchise for the equivalent of about $220,000 earlier on Monday, took three for 13.

Another WPL target, Alice Capsey, bought by Delhi Capitals for $91,000, set up an early finish by hitting 51 off 22 balls in England’s reply. The 18-year-old’s dismissal was the first of five wickets which fell for 33 runs before victory was secured. England, committed to an attacking approach, boosted their net run rate following a similarly convincing win against the West Indies on Saturday. Nat Sciver-Brunt, who attracted the joint-highestIPL price for an overseas player, had a quiet day, bowling two overs for 20 runs and being dismissed for five. She was bought by Mumbai Indians for $390,000 dollars.

Ireland batted first and were doing reasonably well at 80 for two when Ecclestone had top-scorer Gaby Lewis caught at deep square leg for 36. Ecclestone trapped Eimear Richardson leg before wicket with her next delivery and Ireland were on a slide. They lost their last eight wickets for 25 runs. Fellow slow bowlers, leg-spinner Sarah Glenn and off-spinner Charlie Dean, took three and two wickets respectively.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP