Dunkley's Century Seals England's 3-0 Sweep as Ireland's Arlene Kelly Bows Out

England Women completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep of Ireland, thrashing them by 114 runs at Worcester behind a superb century from Sophia Dunkley, in a match that also marked the international retirement of Ireland stalwart Arlene Kelly.

Dunkley made 119 off 100 balls, her second ODI century, surviving an early review for lbw before dominating a 110-run stand with Jodi Grewcock (35) as England posted 291. A late collapse saw the last six wickets fall for just 31 runs, but the total was always going to be competitive. Ireland were bowled out for 177 in 44.2 overs, with Amy Hunter top-scoring on 39 and Mady Villiers and Lauren Filer taking three wickets apiece for England.

The result completed a comprehensive series sweep for Charlie Dean's side to close out England's international summer, with their next fixtures not until the Champions Trophy in February.

The match doubled as a farewell for Arlene Kelly, who announced her retirement from international cricket after the game. The New Zealand-born all-rounder leaves with 110 caps and 135 wickets for Ireland, the third-highest tally in the country's history behind Isobel Joyce and Laura Delany, since making her debut in June 2022. "It's been an absolute privilege to represent Ireland over the past four-and-a-half years," Kelly said, adding she would return to New Zealand to be closer to family. She was named Cricket Ireland's Women's International Player of the Year in 2023 and captained the side when required in 2025.