Tammy Beaumont’s unbeaten 150 played a pivotal role in England Women’s massive 275-run victory over Ireland, marking their biggest winning margin in One Day Internationals (ODIs). This win secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in their series with Ireland.
Beaumont’s innings, which came off just 139 balls, featured 16 fours and a six. England completed their chase with 33.1 overs to spare at Stormont. This dominant performance was a crucial part of their series against Ireland.
Captain Kate Cross delivered exceptional performances with both bat and ball. She achieved career-best figures in the first game, contributing significantly to England’s four-wicket win. In Monday’s game, Cross took 3 for 8 from four overs, dismissing Ireland for just 45, their lowest-ever total in ODIs.
Both Beaumont and Cross had recently been omitted from the T20 World Cup squad set to compete in the UAE. As a result, they are leading a second-string England Women’s team on a tour of Ireland, which includes three ODIs in Belfast followed by three T20Is in Dublin. The World Cup squad is preparing for a pre-tournament training camp in Abu Dhabi.
Beaumont’s latest century is her 10th ODI century, moving her ahead of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Charlotte Edwards to become England’s leading century maker in ODIs. She is now third on the overall list, behind Meg Lanning with 15 and Suzie Bates with 13.
Since losing her place in England’s T20 side, Beaumont has demonstrated her prowess in other formats. She scored a competition-best 118 in the Hundred and a double-century in last year’s Ashes Test. Despite experiencing mid-innings back spasms, Beaumont maintained her focus and composure.
Beaumont expressed that her recent performances are driven by personal motivation rather than proving critics wrong. She emphasized her commitment to playing for herself, her team, and England, rather than seeking validation. She also voiced no resentment about not being considered for captaincy, appreciating the opportunity to mentor younger players.
In addition to Beaumont’s stellar performance, Freya Kemp, who is part of the World Cup squad, found form in Ireland after a challenging Hundred campaign. Kemp contributed 65 to a century stand with Beaumont and scored her highest total in 23 white-ball appearances. She also took 2 for 7 from three overs.
Lauren Filer, also overlooked for the T20 World Cup, took 3 for 10 in the game. Debutant Georgia Davis finished Ireland’s innings with 2 for 19 from 3.5 overs. England Women’s comprehensive performance showcases their strength as they build towards future tournaments.
