Morgan and Rankin ruin Ireland’s day in the sun

Irish cricket’s big day was spoiled by two of its returning sons, as England beat Ireland by six wickets in the RSA Challenge at Malahide.

Derry-born Boyd Rankin took four wickets for England, and Dubliner Eoin Morgan hit an ODI career-best 124 not out as Ireland were beaten with seven overs to spare in front of a 9,500 crowd.

Ireland were arguably favourites for a first home one-day international win against a full member country at the halfway stage, after William Porterfield’s sixth ODI century helped Ireland post a competitive 269-7 in their 50 overs.