• England opened their three-match T20 series against Ireland with a convincing four-wicket win at Malahide, Dublin.

  • Phil Salt was the star of the show once again, hammering a blistering 89 off 46 balls to put the visitors firmly in control.

Fans react as Phil Salt’s brutal brilliance powers England to four-wicket victory over Ireland in 1st T20I
Phil Salt (Image Source: X)

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England opened their three-match T20 series against Ireland with a convincing four-wicket win at Malahide, Dublin. Phil Salt was the star of the show once again, hammering a blistering 89 off 46 balls to put the visitors firmly in control. It was England’s first victory over Ireland in T20 internationals after their previous completed encounter ended in defeat. Despite strong efforts from Harry Tector (61) and Lorcan Tucker (50), Ireland’s 196-run total was not enough against a ruthless English batting line-up. Jacob Bethell, captaining England for the first time at just 21 years old, guided the side with composure despite a few middle-order wobbles. With two more matches to come on Friday and Sunday, England take a crucial lead in the series.

Phil Salt’s power-hitting steers England to victory

England’s chase of 197 began with aggressive intent, Salt immediately carrying over his scintillating form from Old Trafford against South Africa. His clean striking dismantled Ireland’s new-ball bowlers, with Barry McCarthy and Graham Hume struggling to find rhythm. Salt raced to a half-century in just 20 balls, scattering the ball to every corner of Malahide with four sixes and ten boundaries in his innings. Ireland briefly found hope when Curtis Campher held a high catch to dismiss Jos Buttler for 28, but Salt continued relentlessly.

Even after surviving a reprieve when he was caught off a Harry Tector no-ball, Salt made the most of the lifeline. The opener’s dominance ensured England raced to 84-1 in the powerplay, leaving Ireland shell-shocked. Jacob Bethell, in his debut outing as captain, looked promising with 24 runs before falling to a loose shot, but Salt carried the momentum with another flurry of boundaries. His dismissal came in the 15th over, caught by Ross Adair off Hume for a commanding 89, narrowly missing back-to-back centuries. By then, England were already cruising, and despite quick wickets from Hume and Gareth Delany, the target was never in doubt. Jamie Overton sealed the win with a boundary, ensuring England crossed the line with 20 balls remaining. Salt’s fireworks set the tone for a confident and clinical victory, reminding Ireland of the gulf in finishing power.

Also READ: IRE vs ENG 2025, T20I Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming Details – When and where to watch in India, UK, Ireland, Pakistan & other countries

Here’s how fans reacted: 

Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker shine in Ireland’s competitive total

Put into bat first by Bethell, Ireland got off to a brisk start as Paul Stirling and Ross Adair unleashed early boundaries in the powerplay. Stirling in particular was explosive, striking two of his four sixes onto the hospitality tent roof, giving the home crowd plenty to cheer. Ireland raced to 49-0 in six overs before England fought back through Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid. Adair fell to a boundary catch by Salt, and Stirling soon followed with a mistimed swipe to Will Jacks, suddenly halting Ireland’s momentum.  Tector then took charge, playing a superb knock that combined smart singles with powerful hitting. His 61 off 36 balls included seven boundaries, and he looked set for a big finish before edging the penultimate ball to Buttler. Tucker supported brilliantly with 50, rotating strike and finding gaps to build a steady stand. Together, Tector and Tucker ensured Ireland didn’t collapse under pressure, lifting the score near 200.

Also READ: Meet 23-year-old Ben Calitz? The former Canadian cricketer who has now earned his maiden call-up for Ireland

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