The first T20I England vs Ireland in Dublin turned out to be exciting contest filled with aggressive batting , but Phil Salt blazing half century 89 off 46 balls leads to England victory by 4 wickets over ireland take 1-0 lead in three matches series.
Ireland innings
After losing the toss put to bat first paul striling gave brisk start with boundaries in powerplay . His patner Ross Adir shows intent but England managed to dismiss him on 26 off 25 balls through Liam Dawson. Even after that ireland middle order kept momentum alive . Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker who put together strong partnership 123 off 68 balls. Tector played with power and precision, smashing quick half century 61* off 31 balls while Tucker rotated strike well and punish losse deliveries he makes 55 off 36. Their combined effort push Ireland 196/3 in 20 overs.
England bowlers, Dawson , Rashid and overtone managed one wicket each.
England innings
Chasing 197 , England need a quick start and their Openers did exactly same, Jos Buttler came out with positive intent , smashing 28 runs in just 10 balls , setting the tone for the team , though he departed early , England not lose momentum , The Star of this show is Phil Salt who completely dominated the irsh bowlers He made 89 off just 46 balls withthe help of 10 fours and 4 sixes , his knock truning game in England favour.
Young captain Jacob Bethell, leading England for the first time at just 21, also contributed but could not stay long at the crease.but Played handy knock 24 off 16 balls However, Salt’s aggressive batting ensured that wickets did not matter much. With useful cameos from the middle order and consistent boundary-hitting, England crossed the target with several balls to spare, winning the match by 4 wickets.
England vs Ireland 1st T20I – Match Summary
Toss England won the toss and elected to field
Ireland Innings :196/3 in 20 overs
Top Scorers :Harry Tector – 61 (36) ,Lorcan Tucker – 55 (36)
England Bowling: Adil Rashid – 1/36 (4) , Liam Dawson – 1/39 (4)
England Innings :197/6 in 18.4 overs
Top Scorers: Phil Salt – 89(46) Jos Buttler – 28 (10)
Ireland Bowling: Garham Hume 2/36 (2), Matthew Humphreys 44/2 (4)
Result :England won by 4 wickets
Player of the Match: Phil Salt 86 (46)