A magnificent century from Captain William Porterfield propelled Ireland to what should be a competitive total of 269 for 7 wickets. Porterfield thrilled the near capacity crowd of some 9500 with 13 crisply struck boundaries and brought up his hundred in the grand manner by pulling Boyd Rankin over mid-wicket for six.
On a beautiful warm morning in the spectacular setting of Malahide, England won the toss and asked Ireland to bat first. Ireland gave an ODI debut to seam bowler Max Sorensen which meant that Andrew White and Eddie Richardson were left out. As expected former Ireland opening bowler Boyd Rankin made his England ODI debut.
It was Rankin who made the first breakthrough when Paul Stirling was caught at slip for 10 with the score on 25. He then took the vital wicket of Ed Joyce although it was in a bizarre manner as Joyce’s back foot slipped and dislodged a bail.
Porterfield shared partnerships of 59 with Niall O’Brien and then 63 with John Mooney. The final ten overs of the innings added 90 runs helped by an unbroken 40 of just 25 balls between Max Sorensen, who hit two big sixes, and Trent Johnston who hit his final ball in an Ireland shirt in Dublin for a straight four.
Rankin was the most successful bowler with 4 for 47, although James Threadwell caused the most problems with his off spin and only conceded 35 runs and took 2 wickets.
Ireland captain William Porterfield making a century against England ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
