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

England seemed to be suffering a hangover from their Ashes celebrations. They spluttered to 203-9, with 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.

Only debutant Joe Denly and Luke Wright impressed. Opener Denly struck 67, while Wright's 36 injected the innings with impetus after England slipped to 135-6. But the hosts seemed to have blown their chance when they subsided from 64-2 to 89-7.

With nine required from the final two deliveries, Johnston lofted to long-on and England substitute Eoin Morgan prevented it clearing the rope by patting the ball back into play. Johnston hit the final ball for four but England held on for a narrow victory.