England began their T20I series strongly, chasing down a target of 197 in Malahide to take a 1-0 lead against Ireland. Phil Salt, fresh off scoring his fourth T20I century against South Africa, continued his remarkable form by scoring 89 runs from 46 balls.
Jacob Bethell, the 21-year-old, became England’s youngest T20 captain. He scored a quick 24, including a six over midwicket. Ireland, batting first on a green pitch, scored a respectable 196, largely due to a 123-run partnership between Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector. Paul Stirling started the innings with boundaries, but the middle-order batsmen put on a show, each scoring a half-century and taking advantage of England’s bowling towards the end of the innings.
Ireland was without the injured bowlers Mark Adair and Josh Little, their absence was felt. Salt and Jos Buttler reached 74 in five overs, initially threatening to break their Manchester Powerplay record. Buttler was out quickly. Salt, reached fifty in 20 balls, steadied the innings before being dismissed. England lost three wickets quickly, but Jamie Overton finished the job with a clean strike. This was Ireland’s second-highest T20I score at Malahide, but the defeat showed a lack of bowling strength. Stirling stated the team wasn’t ready after a quiet summer, and England’s chase displayed the difference between the two teams.