DUBLIN – In a sun-drenched Malahide, Phil Salt once again proved why he is one of the most feared openers in white-ball cricket, blasting a magnificent 89 from just 46 balls to power England to a commanding four-wicket victory over Ireland. Chasing a formidable target of 197, the visitors made a statement, winning with 14 balls to spare to take a 1-0 lead in this historic bilateral T20I series.
The match, the first-ever bilateral T20I between these neighbours, was a tale of two strong batting performances, but ultimately, it was England’s explosive Powerplay that proved the difference.
Ireland’s Strong Total Undone by English Onslaught
Asked to bat first after new England captain Jacob Bethell won the toss, Ireland posted a more than competitive 196 for 3, thanks to brilliant half-centuries from Harry Tector (61* off 38) and Lorcan Tucker (55 off 42).
After a quickfire 34 from captain Paul Stirling, the pair combined for a magnificent 123-run partnership for the third wicket—Ireland’s highest T20I stand for that wicket—taking a particular liking to the death overs. The final three overs yielded 45 runs, with George Dockrell capping it off by hitting the very last ball for six.
For a team that has struggled for high-profile fixtures, it was a performance of great heart and skill. However, on a small ground with a flat deck, it always felt like a par score against an English lineup fresh from a world-record chase.
The Phil Salt Show
Any doubts about the chase were extinguished within the Powerplay. Salt, riding a wave of confidence from his 100 against South Africa, was in devastating form from the outset. He launched Barry McCarthy for two towering sixes in his first over, setting the tone for the innings.
At the other end, Jos Buttler (27 off 14) was equally merciless, plundering 22 runs from a single Graham Hume over. The opening pair raced to 74 in just 4.4 overs, putting England ahead of the required rate from the start and never looking back.
Buttler fell, uncharacteristically chipping a catch to midwicket, but Salt marched on. He brought up a 20-ball fifty and, after a life on 51 when Harry Tector overstepped on a high full-toss, expertly guided the chase.
Despite a minor wobble that saw Sam Curran (27) and Salt himself fall in quick succession, the result was never in doubt. Jamie Overton sealed the win with a authoritative blow over mid-on, highlighting the immense depth in the English batting.
A Captain’s Debut and a Missing Attack
The match marked a historic moment for Jacob Bethell. At 21 years and 329 days, he became the youngest man to captain England, breaking a record that had stood since 1889. While his bowling changes were tested by the Irish middle order, he led his side to a professional victory in a pressure chase.
For Ireland, the absence of their premier pace attack was keenly felt. Without the injured Josh Little and Mark Adair, their bowling lacked the cutting edge needed to contain a rampant England. The home side will also look to Ross Adair, who made a brisk 26 at the top, to provide more firepower in the coming games.
The Road Ahead
This IRE vs ENG series represents a crucial building block for both teams. For Ireland, every game against a top-tier nation is vital for exposure and development. For England, it’s a key step in their preparation for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka early next year.
The teams next meet on September 19 for the second T20I. Ireland will be desperate to level the series and prove they can compete with a full-strength England side, while the visitors will look to secure the series win with another commanding performance.
Brief scores
Ireland 196/3 in 20 overs (Tector 61*, Tucker 55; Dawson 1-28) lost to England 197/6 in 17.4 overs (Salt 89, Curran 27; Young 2-51) by 4 wickets.