World Cup history repeats as Ireland beat England by 7 wickets in final ODI

Southampton: Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie starred as Ireland claimed only a second win over England in its history after overcoming the world champions in the final over.

Setting up a target of 329, the same score they finished on to beat England at the 2011 World Cup, the Irish laid the foundations with a 214-run stand between Stirling and captain Balbirnie in the final match of the Royal London series on Tuesday.

After being asked to bat first, England had stuttered to 44-3 but Eoin Morgan's 106 from 84 balls was the cornerstone of 328 all out in 49.5 overs, the captain sharing a 146-run stand with Tom Banton.

England won the series 2-1 but Balbirnie took pride in the fact that his team can now boast victories over both white-ball world champions, having toppled the West Indies in Twenty20 in January.

“We've beaten the T20 world champions in their own backyards and we've beaten the ODI champions,” Balbirnie said.

“It's a huge win for us and this group. For the young guys to be involved in this series but to also be involved in a win like that is special and one we'll remember forever.