"Enter Phil Salt, ready to headline once again. The opener followed his 141 against South Africa last Friday with 89 off 46 balls as England secured victory in the first of three Twenty20 internationals, with 14 balls to spare. Ireland's bowling effort fell way short of their impressive work in the first half, when Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker combined for a third-wicket partnership of 128 off 11.2 overs, the former top-scoring with an unbeaten 61 off 36 balls."
"Bethell was right to call Tector one of Ireland's main threats in the buildup. But Salt, particularly effective with the pull shot, showed he can do it in the chase, too. Another rollicking opening stand with Jos Buttler they amassed 74 inside five overs made the remainder comfortable, a spurt of late wickets causing little bother. Malahide was a lovely, leafy sight in the early afternoon, overnight rain making way for a poking sun."
"This was much needed for Ireland, short on fixtures at home due to a tight budget and with a three-match series against West Indies in June their last assignment including two washouts. Paul Stirling was grateful for the autumnal opportunity, putting on 57 for the first wicket alongside Ross Adair, no early release provided to Bethell. The Ireland captain pummelled Liam Dawson over long-off and decoded Sam Curran's slower ball on his way to a 22-ball 34."
Jacob Bethell led Ireland as the youngest men's captain at 21 while Ireland posted 196 in their T20 innings. Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker built a third-wicket partnership of 128 off 11.2 overs, with Tector finishing an unbeaten 61 off 36 balls. Paul Stirling and Ross Adair added 57 for the first wicket. Phil Salt followed his recent 141 with 89 off 46 as an early 74-run opening stand with Jos Buttler set up England's chase. England reached the target with 14 balls to spare, a late burst of wickets proving inconsequential. Malahide offered sunny conditions after overnight rain.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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