England began their T20I campaign with a convincing victory, successfully pursuing a target of 197 and securing a 1-0 series lead against Ireland in Malahide. Phil Salt continued his impressive form from his previous match, where he scored his fourth T20I century against South Africa. He delivered a blazing 89 runs from just 46 deliveries. He was close to setting a new English record for the most T20I centuries.
Jacob Bethell, at 21, became the youngest T20 captain for England, replacing Harry Brook. He contributed a brisk 24 runs, including a significant six over midwicket, before being dismissed. Ireland, batting first on a green pitch, reached a competitive score of 196, thanks largely to a 123-run partnership between Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector. Paul Stirling initiated the innings with a string of boundaries. However, the middle-order batsmen put on a display, both achieving half-centuries and exploiting England’s death bowling. Ireland was without injured bowlers Mark Adair and Josh Little, which was evident as Salt and Jos Buttler accelerated to 74 in five overs. Buttler was dismissed after a quick innings, while Salt, reaching his fifty in 20 balls, steadied the innings before departing. England faced a brief setback, losing three wickets quickly, but Jamie Overton secured the win with a clean hit over mid-on. This was Ireland’s second-highest T20I score at Malahide, but their defeat underscored their lack of bowling depth. Stirling acknowledged the team’s underpreparedness following a quiet summer, and England’s successful chase exposed the difference between the two teams.