Much has been made of England’s youth and inexperience as they surged to a 2-0 lead in the series, but Ireland’s full-strength side is also going through its own transition.
Lewis’ knock of 72 from 56 balls was phenomenal, batting with supreme confidence and skill to score all around the ground, which was particularly impressive after scores of seven and one in her previous outings.
She found perfect company in 18-year-old Amy Hunter at the top of the order, who added a run-a-ball 18 while Leah Paul contributed a valuable 22.
There was a rare failure for star all-rounder Orla Prendergast, also only 22, who was lbw to Villiers for 11, but Ireland will take a huge amount of pride that they won without her runs, even if they did make hard work of it eventually.
Once Lewis and Paul fell in quick succession to the brilliant Filer, who bowled with often unplayable pace and hostility, there was always the possibility Ireland’s middle and lower order would fold under the pressure.
They did, with Raymond-Hoey inexplicably run out after just jogging through for a second run, while Tector – who is only 16 – and 21-year-old Jane Maguire both appeared nervous and uncertain as they were bowled first ball.
The game looked certain to be England’s, and while it was Armitage’s mistake that proved crucial, Dalzell displayed promising confidence to execute the winning boundary.
England were, by their high standards in the series so far, quite sloppy – they bowled 14 wides and struggled without Cross’ usual metronomic accuracy, with the skipper conceding 31 from her three overs.