England beat Ireland

England were given a scare in their first match since winning the Ashes, beating Ireland by two runs in a rain-hit one-day international today.



The game was played in Belfast, Northern Ireland.



England batted first and posted only 203-9 off their allotted 50 overs with debutant Joe Denly top scoring with 67.



Trent Johnston was the most successful bowler for Ireland with 4-26, while Alex Cusack and Andre Botha picked up two wickets apiece.



Ireland, chasing a revised target of 116 runs in 20 overs, fell short by reaching 113-9 against the bowling of Owais Shah 3-16.



England used the match as preparation for two 20/20 Internationals and a seven-match one-day series against Australia.