IRE vs ENG, 3rd T20I, Review: Englishmen sign off with series win

England wrapped up the three-match T20I series in style, defeating Ireland in the third and final game at Dublin on Sunday, September 21. The visitors clinched the series 2-0, with one match washed out, courtesy of a combined effort from Adil Rashid with the ball and Jordan Cox with the bat. After winning the toss, England skipper Jacob Bethell had opted to field first.

The Irishmen began their innings with captain Paul Stirling and Ross Adair at the crease. Stirling failed to make an impact, departing early for just seven runs. Adair, however, steadied the innings by building a promising partnership with Harry Tector. Adair contributed 33 before falling, while Tector added 28 runs. Unfortunately, Ireland’s middle order collapsed, leaving the side under pressure.

Ben Calitz chipped in with 22 runs, but it was Gareth Delany who provided the real spark. Showing resilience while wickets tumbled around him, Delany struck 48 off 29 deliveries, laced with four fours and three sixes. His late flourish helped the hosts reach a competitive total of 154 for 8. For England, Adil Rashid stood out with figures of 3 for 29, while Liam Dawson and Jamie Overton picked up two wickets apiece. Rehan Ahmed also contributed with one wicket.

Chasing 155, England stumbled early as Jos Buttler fell for a duck. Phil Salt kept the scoreboard ticking with 29 runs and shared a 57-run stand with Jordan Cox. Bethell added 11 before departing, but Cox and Tom Banton took charge from there. The pair forged a 49-run partnership, effectively sealing the contest.

Banton remained unbeaten on 37 from 26 deliveries, while Cox top-scored with a brilliant 55 off 35 balls, striking four boundaries and four sixes. Their efforts ensured England reached the target with 14 balls to spare. For Ireland, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Curtis Campher, and Ben White managed a wicket each but could not prevent the defeat.

With this win, England secured the T20I series 2-0. They will now travel to New Zealand for a series comprising three T20Is and as many 50-over encounters. The Irish side, meanwhile, await confirmation of their next international fixtures.