PHIL Salt continued from where he left off against South Africa with another blazing knock as England got past Ireland by four wickets in the first T20I in Malahide. Chasing 197, England rode on Salt’s 89 off 46 to wrap up the game with 14 balls to spare and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. This was also the first time in six T20Is that England defeated a European nation in the format.

England’s intent was clear right from the start of the chase. Salt and Jos Buttler hammered 74 in just 4.3 overs to flatten Ireland’s new-ball hopes. Buttler fell for a 10-ball 28 but Salt carried on, peppering the boundary with ten fours and four sixes. His clean ball-striking left Ireland searching for answers as the required rate dropped rapidly.
Sam Curran chipped in with a brisk 27 off 15 and Jacob Bethell, on captaincy debut, contributed 24 off 16 to keep the chase in control. Ireland did manage to claw back a few wickets in the middle, including Salt falling short of a hundred, but by then the game was as good as done. Jamie Overton applied the finishing touches with a six and a four, taking England home in the 18th over.

Earlier, England handed the captaincy to 21-year-old Bethell, who became the youngest men’s T20I skipper for his country. His first assignment was to field after winning the toss. Ireland had posted a competitive 196/3, built around Harry Tector’s unbeaten 61 off 36 balls and Lorcan Tucker’s explosive 55 off 36 deliveries. The pair added 123 runs for the fourth wicket after Ireland had slipped to 67/2.

Ireland’s innings got off to a solid start with Paul Stirling and Ross Adair putting on 57 for the opening wicket. However, both fell in quick succession. Tucker and Tector then took charge, keeping the tempo high with a range of shots.

The pair stayed together until the penultimate ball of the innings, powering Ireland to a good total on a good batting surface before Salt’s brilliance made light work of the chase.