Ireland completed another famous World Cup win with a thoroughly deserved five-run (DLS) win against England at the MCG.

Few would have given Andy Balbirnie's side much hope against the tournament favourites, but an excellent all-round display - catching aside - sealed victory in front of a small, but clearly jubilant crowd at the iconic venue. T

he Irish took the battle to England from the outset, despite the rapid Mark Wood accounting for Paul Stirling in his first over - caught at third man the ball after clearing Sam Curran in the same spot. Skipper Andy Balbirnie played a Man of the Match innings, accelerating nicely after a sluggish start, top-scoring with 62 from 47 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes). His second wicket stand of 82 in 57 balls with the excellent Lorcan Tucker (34) looked to have Ireland on course for a total of 180, before a Balbirnie drive was deflected onto the stumps by Rashid with Tucker stranded.

That was a major turning point and with Harry Tector, Balbirnie and George Dockrell going in quick succession the momentum stalled. Liam Livinsgtone and Mark Wood each took three wickets and it appeared at the halfway stage as if Ireland had let a wonderful opportunity slip. Josh Little though had Jos Buttler caught behind driving second ball and you got the sense Ireland were in the mood.

Whereas England had bowled poorly and too short, the Irish seam attack were much fuller and got the ball to swing and seam around. Alex Hales miscued a pull off Little, and when Ben Stokes was bowled by an inswinger from World Cup debutant Fionn Hand, you got the sense this was indeed going to be Ireland's day.

Dawid Malan (35) and Harry Brook (18) both scored at under a run a ball as the required rate crept into double figures, and as the clouds gathered, England were in trouble. Moeen Ali had taken 12 off the first three balls of the 15th over, and with Liam Livingstone having just arrived at the crease, there was a concern that the game could be cruelly taken away at the finale.

However, "The best rain I've ever seen" according to skipper Andy Balbirnie duly arrived, with England five runs adrift on DLS, sealing the win. England offered no excuses for the loss - simply outplayed by the better side on the day.

Ireland now must switch their attention to Friday, and Afghanistan at the same venue. A win there would give them a real chance of a top four finish in the Group and automatic qualification for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Much done...more to do...