ENG vs IRE: Andrew Balbirnie expresses his emotions after Ireland's miraculous win

Ireland team in action [Source: AP]

Ireland shocked the cricket fraternity by handing the title contenders England a painful five-run defeat in the recently concluded Super 12 encounter in Melbourne. Riding on Andrew Balbirnie's fighting fifty, Ireland posted a respectable total of 157 on the board. But when the game was well poised, with England needing 53 off 33 to win, rain played a spoilsport, ensuring Ireland's narrow win. 

After the miraculous victory, Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie spoke his heart out and termed it satisfying to defeat one of the tournament favourites at the iconic MCG. However, he also seemed unsatisfied with Ireland's underwhelming finish despite getting off to a flier and expected better returns from his troops in coming games. 

Here's what Balbirnie stated 

"It is amazing and kind of emotional. We haven't played a game here, to come and play the tournament favorites, with so many big names and to put on a show is very satisfying. We had a great week in Hobart and to do this was at one of the biggest grounds is pretty special,

"We were slightly disappointed with the way we finished, we lost 7 wickets for not a lot and they took the momentum away from us. It was tough, they (England) have some express pace and different variations, we rode our luck, took a few blows and moved forward. The platform was pretty well laid and Tucker played well. Quite a quick turn around but we have the momentum and will try to make the most of it."

Ireland opened their account in the Group 1 points table with this fantastic victory. They are scheduled to face Afghanistan in their third Super 12 fixture at the same venue on Friday.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2022, AUS vs SL: Stoinis stands tall as Australia register a thumping win