Spinners make it two in two for England

England's spin attack, led by Sophie Ecclestone's three-wicket haul, secured their second win as they beat Ireland at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. Unlike their demolition job over Sri Lanka in the tournament opener, England were made to work hard as they stuttered in a tricky run chase before prevailing by four wickets.

Ireland were asked to bat first. England didn't take too long to strike as Amy Hunter got castled by Linsey Smith. In the very next over, Gaby Lewis timed a scoop to perfection but hit straight to the fielder. Charlie Dean then struck as Ireland continued to crumble inside the Powerplay. After six overs, Ireland were 38/3.

While Orla Prendergast continued to bat in fine fashion, Ecclestone came back into the attack to strike. In a bigger blow, Ireland lost the big wicket of Prendergast as she chopped one onto her stumps. At 57/5 after 10 overs, Ireland needed a miracle. While Leah Paul and Alice Tector hung in for a while, a cameo from Louise Little dragged Ireland beyond 100. Little smashed four boundaries in the final over after Ecclestone struck twice in the penultimate over.

A target of 119 should have been a cakewalk for a side that posted 219 in their first game. But England were made to work hard. Danni Wyatt-Hodge picked up a few boundaries but Aimee Maguire gave Ireland massive hope with her double strike in the fifth over. Both England openers found Lewis on the field to depart early and Prendergast was rewarded with Alice Capsey's wicket. England finished the Powerplay with 35/3.

Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt then put the chase back on track. After 13 overs, England were coasting at 95/3 before Prendergast broke the partnership with Knight's wicket.

With only 9 runs needed, Sciver-Brunt decided to walk back retired out after feeling tightness in her calf. Just three balls later, England lost Danielle Gibson to a needless run out. However, Dean hit a vital boundary to calm nerves before securing the win.

Brief scores: Ireland 118/9 in 20 overs (Louise Little 26*; Sophie Ecclestone 3-22, Charlie Dean 2-11) lost to England 119/6 in 17.3 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 48; Orla Prendergast 2-17) by 4 wickets