England wrapped up the three-match T20I series against Ireland with a six-wicket triumph in Dublin on Sunday. Jordan Cox’s fluent half-century and Adil Rashid’s three-wicket spell stood out in a match where England showed dominance with both bat and ball.
Ireland Struggle Against Spin
After choosing to bowl first, England struck early when Liam Dawson dismissed Paul Stirling for seven, courtesy of a sharp catch from Jos Buttler. Ireland reached 46/1 at the end of six overs, giving them a steady base.
Rehan Ahmed soon broke the rhythm by removing Mark Adair, who had hit 33 off 23 deliveries. Jamie Overton followed up with two quick scalps, sending Lorcan Tucker and Curtis Campher back cheaply, leaving Ireland on 58/4 inside nine overs.
Harry Tector (28 from 27) tried to hold things together with debutant Ben Calitz, but Adil Rashid’s spell swung the momentum firmly England’s way. Ireland collapsed further to 102/7 after 15 overs.
Despite the pressure, Gareth Delany counterattacked with a brilliant unbeaten 48 from just 29 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes. His late hitting carried Ireland to 154/8 from their 20 overs. Rashid finished with 3/29, while Dawson and Overton shared four wickets between them.
Cox Leads England’s Reply
England’s chase got off to a shaky start as Jos Buttler was dismissed for a duck and captain Jacob Bethell fell for 15, leaving the score at 33/2 in the fifth over. They recovered well to 57/2 by the powerplay mark.
Phil Salt played a brisk knock of 29 off 23 balls, including a six and two boundaries, and combined with Jordan Cox for a 57-run stand. Cox then took charge, smashing 55 in 35 deliveries with four sixes and as many fours.
He built another important partnership with Tom Banton, who guided the team home unbeaten on 37 from 26 balls. Banton’s innings was laced with six crisp boundaries, while Rehan Ahmed chipped in with 9* as England closed the match at 155/4 in just 17.1 overs.
Match Highlights
- Top for England: Jordan Cox (55 off 35), Tom Banton (37* off 26), Adil Rashid (3/29)
- Top for Ireland: Gareth Delany (48* off 29), Mark Adair (33 off 23)
England’s composed chase and Rashid’s impact with the ball ensured a 2-0 series win, underlining their dominance over the hosts.
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