Captain Andrew Balbirnie hails Ireland's 'huge win' over England

Stirling scored 142 off 128 balls, whilst Balbirnie scored 113 off 112 balls as Ireland chased down the required 329 runs with a single ball to spare, to win by seven wickets.

Speaking of the result, Balbirnie said: “It’s very satisfying. It’s a huge win for us, it’s a huge win for this group. For young guys to be involved in this series has been great, but for them to be involved in a win like that is special and one that we’ll remember forever.”

Stirling’s score is now the highest individual score for Ireland against England in ODI cricket, surpassing the unbeaten 113 Kevin O’Brien made in Bangalore during the 2011 World Cup.

The knock also means that Stirling now holds four of Ireland’s top nine highest individual scores in ODI cricket.

“It was great to see him in the nick that he was in,” said Balbirnie. “He’s a huge asset and is such a good plyer. There are so many teams that would love him in their team and he brings the guys with him.

“There are young guys asking him questions every day and he’s always willing to help. He’s only 29 and hopefully he’s got many years and runs left in the bag.”

He shared a 214-run partnership with captain Andrew Balbirnie – the highest ODI partnership for Ireland against England and Ireland’s second highest of all-time.

Earlier in the match, Ireland became the first side since the World Cup final last year to bowl England out. Craig Young led the way with three wickets. There were two each for Josh Little and Curtis Campher. Leg-spinner Gareth Delany also claimed a scalp.

“It does [fill the bowlers with confidence]; they’re learning. We brought Mark Adair in today and he got the scalp of Jonny Bairstow which was so crucial.

“Craig Young has been really impressive; he bowled well, we didn’t have Barry (McCarthy) through injury and he stepped up. Josh Little and Gareth Delany bowled well too – it’s the best place to come out and learn, playing these top international sides,” he added.

The win meant that Ireland opened their account in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, picking up their first 10 points on the road to India 2023.

“It’s a good start and it’s good to get points on the board,” he explained. “To come away from this with no points would’ve been disappointing, but having not gone well in the first two [matches] we didn’t deserve to get any points. We fully deserve our 10 points today."