T20 World Cup 2022: Andrew Balbirnie’s quickfire 62 and the rain gods helped Ireland shock England and throw open the Super 12 Group of Death. England finished 5 runs less than the projected total when rain played spoilsport at the MCG on Wednesday, October 26.

Ireland pacers rocked England’s top-order at the MCG (AP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: 11 years after their famous triumph over their neighbors in Bengaluru, Ireland pulled off a stunning win over England in their Super 12 match of T20 World Cup 2022 in Melbourne on Wednesday, October 26. A brave fifty from captain Andrew Balbirnie and a disciplined bowling effort with little help from the rain gods made sure Ireland sealed 2 crucial points.

The Group 1 in Super 12, which has been labeled as the Group of Death, is living up to its reputation as Australia and England, the two powerhouses, have faced a defeat each in their first two games.

Ireland and England met for the first time in a T20I in May 2010 and Balbirnie’s team came up on tops. Notably, Ireland had made it to the Super 12 after knocking out two-time champions West Indies in Round 1 earlier in October.

England reached 105/5 in 14.3 overs when rain interrupted play, 10 minutes away from the cut-off time. It was heartbreaking for England as Moeen Ali was going after the Irish attack after their top-order failed. England were 5 runs less than the required score at the 14.3-over mark and the match was called-off as the rain intensified in Melbourne.

More to follow…