ENG VS IRE T20I

That concludes the proceedings from this game. The result was a bit harsh for the English side as they could have chased the score. However, it was indeed a deserving performance from the Men in Green as well. We have another game lined-up as New Zealand and Afghanistan get ready to lock horns. The toss has been delayed for that game, you can swith tabs and enjoy the coverage of that game. Cheers!

Andy Balbirnie, the Irish skipper is the Player of the Match for his knock of 62(47). He says that they were disappointed with their batting effort towards the end. Shares that he had said to the team that they need to create chances and take every one of those. Also shares that it was tough initially against the express pace of England. Adds that it was a competitive total which became a winning total eventually. Shares that it is amazing and emotional to play at the MCG in front of friends and family and also to win against one of the tournament favourites. Feels that they need to take this momentum to their next game against Afghanistan. He hopes that they can improve their fielding as they progress in this tournament.

Jos Buttler, the skipper of England says that it's a bit disappointing and they weren't consistent at the start. Adds that they were good in the second half with the ball, they bowled well but the result didn't go their way. Finishes by saying that bowling first was a good decision but it didn't go their way and they will be under some pressure against Australia and they need to play as a group and come out on top.

Time for the Presentation.

Ireland bowlers bowled with lot of penetration and it was Josh Little who started off with a bang getting rid of both English openers. There was good help for the seamers thoughout and Irish stick to their plans and did not let England get off the hook at any point in this game. In the end, rain gods also seemed to be pleased by their effort and made a bit of contribution to this fantastic and important win for Ireland.

Earlier in the day, Ireland got off to a very good start after England sent them into bat. They were looking set for a huge total till the 12th over but a mini collapse meant they had to settle for a smaller total. Wood was the pick of the bowlers for England and bowled with great fire baging three wickets on the way. Ireland still had a decent total at the end of the first half and then made a match out of it by picking wickets at regular intervals with the ball. England were three down inside the powerplay in their pursuit of 158. Dawid Malan and Harry Brook stitched together a decent stand but both departed after getting starts and that put England in more trouble. Moeen Ali though, was looking good in the middle before rain came to spoil the party and it is Ireland who have notched up a famous victory here.

It's all over folks! Ireland win by 5 runs via DLS method! Handshakes all around and England players looks visibly disappointed. England have only themselves to blame here, they kept losing wickets at regular intervals and have to say, the Irish were the more disciplined and were the more hungrier side and have now scripted yet another famous win. The Irish fans in the stands are delighted and England have again been hunted down by the Ireland on the big stage after that famous win 11 years ago in the 2011 World Cup.

Oh, it has started to rain here at the 'G'! England are 5 behind the DLS par score and the players are going off the field now. It's been a thrilling game so far but it is raining quite heavily now! The covers are on and these are anxious moments for England and their fans. Nasser Hussain, the on-air commentator says that they have 10 mintues to start the game, otherwise we will be done with this game and Ireland will bag those two crucial points against their more fancied neighbours. Remember, the cut-off time to start the game is 1.26 pm IST (7.56 am GMT).

FOUR! Another one outside off, Moeen Ali lofts it over extra covers for a boundary. Excellent shot from Moeen Ali!

Bowls it outside off again, Moeen Ali slaps it towards point for a brace.

SIX! Up and over. Slightly shorter and just outside off, Moeen Ali lofts over long off for a maximum.

Leg bye! Sharp bounce by Barry McCarthy. Moeen Ali gets hit on the bicep and crosses over for a single.

WIDE! Barry McCarthy sprays this one down the leg side in his quest to follow the batter.

FOUR! Smart batting by Moeen Ali! Slower and a bit short outside off, Moeen Ali makes room and thumps this one over mid off for a much-needed boundary.

Bumper outside off, Moeen Ali sways away from the delivery and lets it go through to the keeper.

Full outside off, Liam Livingstone gets to the pitch of the ball and knocks it to mid off to open his account.

Short of a length delivery on off, Liam Livingstone gets an inside edge back onto his pads as he tried to work it on the off side.

Liam Livingstone is the new batter.