Salt storm decisive as England run down Ireland: 1st T20 (Dublin)

Phil Salt continued his good form as England opened their T20I series against Ireland with a 4-wicket win at Malahide, chasing down 196 with 14 balls to spare.

Ireland had posted an imposing 196/3, built on a superb 123-run stand between Harry Tector (61*) and Lorcan Tucker (55).

But England’s reply was powered by a blistering 89 off 46 balls from Salt, who smashed 10 fours and 4 sixes, and a rapid 74-run opening partnership with Jos Buttler that put the chase firmly on track.

New captain Jacob Bethell, at just 21 years old, guided England in his first match as the youngest ever skipper, contributing 24 with the bat as his side held their nerve to finish strongly and take a 1-0 lead in the series.

England 197 for 6 (Salt 89) beat Ireland 196 for 3 (Tector 61*, Tucker 55) by four wickets.

Sept 2025.