England relieved after narrow ODI win over Ireland
Tom Curran and Ben Foakes put together an unbeaten 98-run partnership to help England beat Ireland by four wickets in a one-off one-dayer in Malahide.
Chasing 199 to win, England slipped to 101 for six as Ireland's 19-year-old debutant bowler Josh Little made the most of seaming conditions to claim 4-45.
However, wicketkeeper-batsman Foakes scored an unbeaten 61 and all-rounder Curran added 47 not out to give the top-ranked one-day side a scrappy victory.
England had won the toss and elected to bowl after the match was put back by two hours and reduced to 45 overs per side amid concerns over a soggy outfield after overnight rain.
Ireland captain William Porterfield and Paul Stirling made a steady start and were 46 without loss at the end of 10 overs.
But when they had reached 55, England quick Curran lured Stirling (33) into chipping the ball to a diving Jofra Archer at mid-on.
Seamer Liam Plunkett removed Porterfield (17) and Lorcan Tucker (seven), before Curran added a second of his own when Joe Denly caught the experienced Kevin O'Brien (four) at backward point.
The hosts were 111-6 but debutant Mark Adair hinted at a fightback as he smashed two sixes off Curran.
Published: by Radio NewsHub