With the three-match T20I series between England and Ireland shifting into its second game, scheduled to be played on Friday at The Village, all eyes will be on Ireland, who are gearing up to avoid series defeat on home soil in the historic series. England currently lead 1‑0 after edging Ireland by four wickets in the series opener. 

In the first match, England chased down Ireland’s total with four wickets in hand, with Phil Salt plundering a defining knock of 89 to hand England a magnificent start. Salt, along with Jos Buttler, who made 28 off 10, put on a 74-run partnership to make the task easy for England. England’s batting fired under pressure, showing nerves of steel. The victory gives England control of the series, but it also gives Ireland something to build on. 

Ireland, after being asked to bat, started on a solid note, with Paul Stirling (34) and Ross Adair (26) forging a partnership of 49 runs until it was broken by Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson, taking out Stirling and Adair respectively. Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker, however, rebuilt the innings, bludgeoning 61 and 55, respectively, to push the side to a competitive total of 196/3 in 20 overs. 

Now, for England heading into the second T20I, their top order will be crucial. Players like Phil Salt and Jos Buttler will need to continue building momentum. England bowlers would also want to build on the early breakthroughs they got in the first game and avoid giving any chance to Ireland batters. For Ireland, who have home advantage, they will need better starts with the bat and tighter death bowling. Spinners could have useful roles in the middle overs, and bowlers such as Barry McCarthy, Graham Hume and Matthew Humphreys will be crucial. Most importantly, contributions from Paul Stirling and Harry Tector will be vital.

Head-to-head

Matches - 3

IRE won - 1

ENG won - 1

No result - 1

Ireland probable XI: Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Barry McCarthy, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Craig Young

England probable XI: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell (c), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood