The third and final one-day match between Ireland and Australia ended with victory for the visitors at the Merrion Cricket Club yesterday. The hosts, already 2-0 down in the series, seemed to have Australia on the ropes at one stage as they struggled at 108 for six.

Then the dismissal of Belinda Clarke, the Australian captain, departing for just 16 runs following a run-out, really put it up to the world champions with the score on 149 for eight. Hopes of an Irish victory soon evaporated, however, with Olivia Magno and Julia White putting together a valuable ninth wicket partnership of 41.

Ireland were then set a revised target of 185 off 45 overs but the retirement through injury of opener Cliodhna Sharpe put paid to any chances and finally Ireland were bowled out for 90 in 41 overs.