But it was the Irish bowlers who ripped the contest out of England's hands.
Only 31 deliveries into their run chase, England found themselves in trouble at 29-3 with Ben Stokes being sent packing by a peach of a delivery from Fionn Hand.
The inswinging ball made its way between Stokes' bat and pad and thundered into the stumps, giving the Irish the upper hand.
With dark clouds threatening over the MCG, Moeen Ali began to put the foot down, knowing serious runs were required.
The heavens however opening up after 14.3 overs forcing the two sides off and the covers back onto the pitch.
At 105-5, England were five runs shy of Ireland's run tally at the same mark and needed the game to resume.
Unfortunately for England the rain never relented and it was Ireland who celebrated the famous upset, which threw group one wide open.
The loss for England drops them to third place in the group, behind Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
Australia currently sit fifth in group one with a -1.56 NRR following their crushing defeat at the hands of New Zealand.
