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England Sweep Ireland 3-0 as Dunkley Hits Century

BBC Sport •
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Sophia Dunkley's run-a-ball 119 powered England to a 114-run victory over Ireland in the third ODI at Worcester, completing a 3-0 series clean sweep. Dunkley's second international century anchored England's 291 all out in 48.5 overs, though the hosts lost their last six wickets for 31 runs after reaching 260-4. Maia Bouchier contributed 39 and Dani Gibson hit an ODI-best 41, while Cara Murray took 4-56 for Ireland. In reply, Ireland were bowled out for 177 in 44.2 overs, with Amy Hunter top-scoring with 39. Mady Villiers and Lauren Filer claimed three wickets each as no Irish batter scored at a strike-rate above 100.

The series concluded England's international summer with key players Lauren Bell, Sophie Ecclestone, and Nat Sciver-Brunt rested. Coach Charlotte Edwards used the opportunity to experiment with fringe players like Jodi Grewcock and Tilly Corteen-Coleman. Dunkley and Bouchier's opening partnership answered questions following Tammy Beaumont's retirement, each scoring a century in the series. Dunkley, 28, showed improved off-side play, reaching fifty off 63 balls before accelerating to her next fifty in 37. England's next confirmed fixtures are the Champions Trophy in February, with potential autumn series against West Indies and Sri Lanka still unscheduled.