Salt Fires England to Victory in Opening T20 Against Ireland
First T20, Malahide
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Ireland 196-3 (20 overs): Tector 61* (36), Tucker 55 (36)
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England 197-6 (17.4 overs): Salt 89 (46)
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Result: England won by 4 wickets, lead series 1-0
England took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20 series after Phil Salt’s blistering 89 powered them to a four-wicket win over Ireland in Dublin.
The opener smashed 89 runs off just 46 balls, putting England in control of their chase of 197 before falling in the 15th over. His explosive knock, which included a 20-ball half-century, ensured England wrapped up the win with 14 balls to spare.
Salt Leads the Charge
Salt, fresh from his record-breaking century against South Africa last week, continued his fine form. He shared a rapid stand with captain Jos Buttler, who scored 28 from 10 balls, setting the tone early as England ended the powerplay on 84-1.
Although Salt missed out on back-to-back hundreds, he admitted:
“I was annoyed to get out, but happy we got the job done. Coming away to new conditions and starting strong is all that matters.”
Ireland’s Bright Start
Ireland, playing their first international since June, posted a competitive 196-3. Captain Paul Stirling (36) and Ross Adair gave them a flying start, with Stirling hammering four sixes, including two onto the roof of the hospitality tent.
After both openers fell, Harry Tector (61*) and Lorcan Tucker (55) steadied the innings, rotating the strike before accelerating late on. Tector, who hit seven boundaries, became just the fourth Irish player to surpass 1,500 T20 runs.
England Seal the Win
Despite some late wickets from Graham Hume and Gareth Delany, England’s deep batting lineup never looked troubled. Jamie Overton finished the chase, sealing England’s first-ever T20 victory over Ireland in just their second completed match.
England’s young skipper Jacob Bethell, captaining for the first time, chipped in with 24 runs but said the win was most important:
“It feels pretty special. Winning the first one is always nice. Can’t wait to go again on Friday.”
Ireland captain Paul Stirling remained upbeat despite the loss:
“We’ll take the positives. To post 196 was great, and now it’s about improving in all areas across the series.”
What’s Next?
The teams meet again at Malahide on Friday and Sunday, with Ireland looking to bounce back and England aiming to wrap up the series early.