Only ODI: Ben Foakes, Tom Curran star as England survive scare against Ireland
England's warmup campaign for the World Cup began Friday with a four-wicket victory against Ireland with three overs to spare.
Chasing 199 to win, England were reduced to 66/5 and 101/6, but wicketkeeper Ben Foakes scored an unbeaten 61 and Tom Curran added 47 not out to see the visitors home.
They shared an unbroken partnership of 98 for the seventh wicket as England reached 199-6 in a match reduced to 45 overs a side after play began two hours late because of a sodden outfield.
Foakes was making his ODI debut for England and his chances of making the World Cup remain slim despite his contribution, with rested pair Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow untouchable among wicketkeeper-batsmen.
There was also a first ODI start for England fast bowler Jofra Archer, who had figures of 1-40 off his eight overs as he sought to impress selectors to earn promotion to the World Cup squad. His wicket arrived via a yorker that knocked out a stump and his deliveries regularly reached speeds of 90 mph.
England's standout bowler was Liam Plunkett, who had 4/35 as Ireland made 198 all out in 43.1 overs.
England travels to Cardiff, Wales, for a one-off Twenty20 international against Pakistan on Sunday before the teams' five-match ODI series begins on Wednesday.
The World Cup, hosted by England, starts May 30.
