Image Source: Ireland Cricket (Twitter)

XtraTime Web Desk: Centuries from Paul Stirling (142) and Andrew Balbirnie (113) propelled Ireland to a remarkable run chase against England in the third and final ODI at Southampton on Tuesday. Ireland successfully chased England’s 328 all, as they went past India’s NatWest feat to script record chase in England in 2002.

Set a target of 329 runs by the World Champions, Paul Stirling and captain Andrew Balbirnie stitched a 214-run partnership before Kevin O Brien took Ireland home.

Stirling was run out for 142 (128) and Balbirnie holed out for 113 (112) with 50 still required from 33 deliveries, but Kevin O’Brien (21 not out), who was the hero for Ireland nine years ago in Bangalore against England during the 2011 group league match at Chinnaswamy stadium fittingly secured a seven-wicket victory for Ireland on the penultimate ball.

After being asked to bat first, England had stuttered to 44-3 but Eoin Morgan’s 106 from 84 balls was the cornerstone of 328 all out in 49.5 overs, the captain sharing a 146-run stand with Tom Banton.

England won the series 2-1 but Balbirnie took pride in the fact his team can now boast victories over the world champions in two limited-overs formats, having toppled the West Indies in a Twenty20 international in January.

Ireland shock world champions England, go past India’s NatWest feat to script record chase in England