Irish eyes smiling after England shock

Paul Stirling insisted he always believed Ireland could beat England after his brilliant century inspired a record Irish run-chase in a shock seven-wicket win over the world champions during the third one-day international at Southampton.

Both Stirling, with 142, and captain Andrew Balbirnie (113), scored centuries during Ireland's successful pursuit of 329. When both Stirling and Balbirnie were out in quick succession, Kevin O'Brien helped see them to victory in the company of Harry Tector with just one ball to spare.

"We've chased over 300 a number of times, so we knew we could do it," said opener Stirling, the player of the match.

Ireland's win was all the more impressive as they had lost the first two matches in a three-game series.