The England cricket team, after facing setbacks in the ODI format, is showcasing a strong performance in the T20 format. Following a record score of 304 runs against South Africa, England turned its attention to Ireland in the first match of the T20 series. England secured a victory by 4 wickets. Phil Salt, the explosive batsman, once again proved to be the star performer, making it difficult for bowlers to contain his barrage of boundaries and sixes.
The series of three T20 matches began on Wednesday, September 17, in Dublin, Ireland. With Harry Brook rested for the series, young all-rounder Jacob Bethell took the captaincy, becoming England’s youngest international captain at the age of 21 years and 329 days. Bethell’s captaincy debut was marked with a resounding victory.
Ireland batted first in the match, posting a strong score of 196 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. Young batsman Harry Tector played a brilliant innings for Ireland. Batting at number three, he scored 61 runs off just 36 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes. Besides him, Lorcan Tucker also quickly scored 55 runs. Captain Paul Stirling provided a quick start with a knock of 34 runs.
When it was England’s turn to bat, the focus was once again on the partnership of Phil Salt and Jos Buttler. They had smashed 100 runs in the powerplay against South Africa. This time too, they did not disappoint, scoring 74 runs in just 4.4 overs of partnership. Buttler was dismissed after scoring 28 runs off just 10 balls, but Salt’s onslaught continued.
Salt reached his half-century in just 20 balls and England’s score exceeded 130 runs within 10 overs. England did lose some wickets here, but Salt ensured England’s victory with a blistering innings of 89 runs off just 46 balls. The English opener hit 10 fours and 4 sixes in his innings. England won the match by 4 wickets in just 17.4 overs. This was Salt’s second consecutive explosive innings. Earlier, he had scored 141 runs off just 60 balls against South Africa.
