Ireland v England: Victory against England shows ‘character’ in Ireland’s group – GabyLewis

Lewis managed 72 from 56 balls, forming a good partnership with 18-year-old Amy Hunter, who added a run-a-ball 18.

And the captain was delighted to link-up again with prodigious talent Hunter.

“It is good to bat with her again and we set the tempo off well and we continued that throughout which was good,” Lewis explained.

With Ireland needing eight to win from the last over of a rain-hit game in Belfast, they lost three wickets in three balls to give England hope.

That left four required from the final delivery – and number-nine batter Alana Dalzell found the boundary to seal Ireland’s famous win.

Despite the fact that they had been bowled out for 45 just two days ago, Lewis had faith that they would reach their target even in a nervy finale.

“We’re very confident in the T20 format so I think we felt like 155 [a rain-adjusted target from 22 overs] was achievable.

“We bat so far down, so I felt confident in our 1-11 batters and Dalzell having the courage to go for it, that shows the team we are, and we’re hugely thrilled with the win.”

Ireland will now take on England in a T20 international series with the first game in Clontarf on Saturday, which Lewis is relishing.

“Any home T20 series is very exciting especially against a top-quality nation, we rarely get them here so we’re ready to go with the positivity to build on.”