Belfast, Aug. 28: England's Ashes celebrations almost came to an embarrassing end when they narrowly avoided defeat against Ireland, claiming a three-run victory under the Duckworth/Lewis method in Thursday's one-day international in Belfast.

Just five days after regaining the famous urn with a 197-run victory over Australia in the final Test at the Oval, England seemed to be suffering a hangover from their champagne celebrations.

They spluttered to 203/9, with Oval hero Jonathan Trott and Ravi Bopara both dismissed without scoring, and only just managed to hold on as Ireland chased a revised total of 116 in 20 overs after a long rain delay.

Ireland's chase was propelled along by teenager Paul Stirling, who hit four fours and a six in an attacking 30 which left them needing marginally over four runs per over for the final dozen overs.

But the hosts seemed to have blown their chance when they subsided from 64/2 to 89/7.

- AFP