Ireland (IRE) will take on England (ENG) in the opening T20I of the three-match series at The Village in Dublin on Wednesday, September 17. The hosts come into the contest after a tough home series against the West Indies, where they faced a 0-1 defeat. Determined to bounce back, Ireland will aim to put in a stronger performance this time. With the home advantage in their favor, the team will rely on its players’ skills and resilience to challenge England in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

On the other hand, England enter the series in positive spirits after drawing their recent T20I battle against South Africa. Under Jacob Bethell’s leadership, the side has shown consistency and balance, which will be vital in this contest. Despite being aware of the tricky conditions in Dublin, the visitors possess enough depth and talent to adapt effectively. England will be eager to start the series on a strong note and set the tone for the remaining games.

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England vs Ireland, 1st T20I: Live Streaming Details

England vs Ireland, 1st T20I: Probable Playing XI

Ireland (Probable Playing XI):

Paul Stirling(c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w), Ben Calitz, George Dockrell, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Benjamin White, Jordan Neil, Craig Young

England (Probable Playing XI):

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler(w), Jacob Bethell (C), Tom Banton, Jamie Overton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood, Saqib Mahmood

In the rapid T20 International (T20I) arena, a place where consistency is as hard to achieve as a perfectly-timed switch hit, Harry Tector has been one of Ireland's few true dependable players. The 25-year-old middle-order batsman has recently surpassed 1500 runs in T20Is, reflecting his growing stature in the format.

This milestone not only emphasizes Tector's calmness and skill under pressure in T20 cricket, but it also differentiates him as one of the small group of established Irish players who seem to have consistently large returns in the short international format. As Ireland continues to exceed true meritocracies at the highest level, Tector's experience represents the balance of Irish cricket culture–the resilience, creativity, and competitiveness that now defines cricket in Ireland.

Tector's Journey to 1500: A Combination of Determination and Elegance

Coming from a cricketing family in Dublin (his brothers Jack and Tim have both captained Ireland represented the country at Under 19 level), Tector made his T20I debut in 2019 during the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier in the UAE. Although his appearances were limited at first, he soon secured a role in the middle order for Ireland.

In 2022, Tector's coming-of-age innings was an unbeaten 64 from 33 balls against India, which again showed his ability to accelerate under pressure during a rain-shortened match. As of September 2025, Tector has played roughly 70 T20Is and scored over 1500 runs with an average in the mid-20s and strike-rate above 120.

Highlights of Tector's Career

• March 2024 vs Afghanistan - Unbeaten 56 (34); he led Ireland to victory.
• June 2022 - Destructive 74 (42); displayed stylish shot-making along with brute power-hitting.
• Franchise cricket - Played for Dublin Chiefs in the Euro T20 Slam (and other leagues), has a List A average over 40 that has translated into T20 performance.

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Ireland’s 1500 Run Club in T20Is

Only a handful of Ireland cricketers have achieved 1500 runs in T20Is. Tector's induction into this club puts him in company with legends of Irish cricket:

Record Stand at Malahide: Ireland Hammer 196/3

Tector’s milestone coincided with another landmark today at Malahide, as Ireland posted their third-highest total against a Full-Member side:

After being asked to bat first by England’s youngest-ever captain Jacob Bethell, Ireland got off to a flying start. Paul Stirling (28) and Ross Adair (26) added 49 in the powerplay, but both fell trying to clear the ropes.

At 67/2 in the ninth over, Ireland looked vulnerable. But then came the defining stand,Harry Tector (61 off 43) and Lorcan Tucker (55 off 38)* stitched a 123-run partnership, Ireland’s highest-ever 3rd wicket stand in T20Is.

The assault rendered the England attack impotent as, except for Luke Wood, every bowler at over nine an over. On the final delivery they were all on their feet as George Dockrell deposited a six onto the roof to guide Ireland to 196/3.

Individual Highlights During the innings

• Harry Tector - Passed 1500 T20I runs and making it his 6th fifty.
• Lorcan Tucker – Passed 3000 international runs combined across formats.
• Tector & Tucker – Produced a new Ireland record partnership for the 3rd wicket in T20I.

The Finance Critically Important Tector's milestone is timely for Irish cricket as with Paul Stirling nearing 3500 runs; and younger players like Tucker and Tector, Irish batting is beginning to have depth. Globally only 37 batters have scored in excess of 2000 T20I runs, so for 1500 runs, for full members Ireland to have four men is exceptional.

The question now is - will Harry Tector be the first of the new generation of players to score a hundred in T20I? If he continues his current form, it could be down the road.

Jacob Bethell will make history this week when, at age 21, he becomes England's youngest-ever captain. The left-handed batter, who made his international debut just a year ago, will take charge of England's T20 series against Ireland in Malahide. His rise has been fast and astonishing, accumulating 34 caps, nine fifties, and a maiden hundred since he took the international stage in 2023 against Australia.

Bethell admitted to "being very nervous" on his debut, although now he is stirring up that challenge with a smile on his face by saying he is someone who loves the game when it's played at pace. His captaincy experience is limited, however: he played a handful of matches when he was captain of England Under-19s, he captained at schoolboy level, and spent some time captaining Warwickshire's seconds. The management of England views Bethell as a future superstar.

Bethell takes charge as England’s youngest captain against Ireland.

The decision was influenced by circumstance, too. Their regular captain, Harry Brook, and the senior multi-format players have all been rested for the tour, whilst Jos Buttler is being eased out rather than handed the captaincy for what will be a short transitional series. Bethell does not know if he will take charge of the team, but he learned he was captain, having been told by Brendon McCullum a month ago. His first reaction was pride mixed with excitement and nerves.

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Paul Stirling, his Irish counterpart, commended Bethell, reminiscing about when they were together at Warwickshire. "You could see the talent when he was 18. The way he was striking the ball, he was top class," Stirling said, admitting he was not surprised to see Bethell in a captaincy role. 

England’s youngest captains in men’s internationals

Recent performances have only confirmed the decision. Bethell scored his first century against South Africa just over a week ago, which gave him the confidence that filled many hearts and stilled any Dutton resident's previous thoughts of scepticism about him being promoted. "When you feel that kind of feeling you have by yourself, it's pretty addictive... I really think it has helped me stand up for myself in high-pressure situations," he said. 

A dose of inspiration has come into his thinking from Ben Stokes when Bethell expressed he is planning to captain by example, but is focused on "managing people" and "supporting" his teammates. With interim head coach Marcus Trescothick in charge, Bethell hopes not to be tactical in a decision-making stand-first, instead finding the balance in order to build trust with the players.

As England prepares to face Ireland, Bethell's leadership represents not only his own remarkable route but also possibly a glimpse into the future of English cricket. Few do not think it will be his "last" role as captain. In fact, for Bethell, it may just be the beginning.

The second ODI took place and was pretty predictable. England will be happy with how they got a chance to look at what’s in store for the future as Will Jacks came out with a strong performance and Sam Hain did some good work down the order as well. Ireland was not too bad either. They got to a decent score in the second innings with their lower order contributing, speaking a touch about their batting depth.

ENG vs IRE Match Details

Date: September 25th, 2023

Time:  3:30 PM IST

Venue: Bristol

ENG vs IRE Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

ENG vs IRE Pitch Report

Dew and a flat track make bowling a better option.

ENG vs IRE Head-to-Head

Played- 14 | England- 11 | Ireland- 2 | NR- 1 | Tie- 0

ENG vs IRE Predicted Playing XI

ENG Playing XI

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Sam Hain, Rehan Ahmed, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Luke Wood, Tom Hartley, George Scrimshaw

IRE Playing XI

Paul Stirling, Andy McBrine, Andy Balbairne, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young

ENG vs IRE Key Players

Will Jacks

Will Jacks has all the makings of a player who could have a long career with England. Aggressive batter and handy spinner, he now has three games at the top of the order and could push for consistency here.

Harry Tector

Harry Tector remains a player to watch as Ireland looks to groom what could be a generational talent. His performances have dipped though and a good run of performances could put him back on track.

ENG vs IRE Match Tips

England despite the new faces are favorites coming into the game.

Match Prediction: England Will Win the Match

The first game wash-out leaves both teams level with England coming in without Joe Root or Jason Roy, who has dropped out after being left out of the World Cup squad.

ENG vs IRE Match Details

Date: September 23rd, 2023

Time:  3:30 PM IST

Venue: Nottingham

ENG vs IRE Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

ENG vs IRE Pitch Report

Dew and a flat track make bowling a better option.

ENG vs IRE Head-to-Head

Played- 13 | England- 10 | Ireland- 2 | NR- 1 | Tie- 0

ENG vs IRE Predicted Playing XI

ENG Playing XI

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Sam Hain, Rehan Ahmed, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Luke Wood, Tom Hartley, George Scrimshaw

IRE Playing XI

Paul Stirling, Andy McBrine, Andy Balbairne, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young

ENG vs IRE Key Players

Will Jacks

Will Jacks has all the makings of a player who could have a long career with England. Aggressive batter and handy spinner, he now has three games at the top of the order and could push for consistency here.

Harry Tector

Harry Tector remains a player to watch as Ireland looks to groom what could be a generational talent. His performances have dipped though and a good run of performances could put him back on track.

ENG vs IRE Match Tips

England despite the new faces are favorites coming into the game.

Match Prediction: England Will Win the Match

Ireland gets another shot at Test Cricket at Lords. This time though they come with a new challenge ahead. Last time they held things well as they dismissed England early, and had England under pressure. Now, England is a changed side and they have been defining how Test Cricket should be played. The added pressure of an upcoming Ashes tour leaves them fine tuning their side as they look to gain momentum coming into the Test.

ENG vs IRE Match Details

Date: June 1st, 2023

Time:  3:30 PM IST

Venue: Lords

ENG vs IRE Weather Report

Forecasts do indicate the possibility of occasional showers during the Test Match.

ENG vs IRE Pitch Report

With Swing and cloudy weather batting second on a green Lords track will be better.

ENG vs IRE Head-to-Head

Played- 1 | England- 1 | Ireland- 0 | No Result- 0 | Tie- 0

ENG vs IRE Predicted Playing XI

Ireland Playing XI

James McCollum, Andy Balbirnie, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Gareth Delany, Lorcan Tucker, George Dockrell, Fionn Hand, Curtis Campher, Andy McBrine, Craig Young

England Playing XI

Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue, Jack Leach

ENG vs IRE Key Players

Harry Tector

Like Josh Little, Harry Tector is a young talent who has impressed and will be one to watch out for. He has impressed against some big sides and with a Test at Lords, Harry Tector has a chance at making a huge name for himself in the upcoming few days

Jonny Bairstow

Jonny Bairstow, the man who got Bazball going is set to make a comeback. In his time away though Harry Brook has come up with some incredible performances to take the number five spot away from Bairstow, which now leaves Bairstow with the gloves as he slots in at number seven.

ENG vs IRE Match Tips

England, with their near full-strength side, comes in as favorites for the upcoming game.

Match Prediction: England Will Win the Match

T20 World Cup’22, IRE vs ENG: Ireland 157 (Balbirnie 62, Wood 3-34, Livingstone 3-17) beat England 105 for 5 in 14.3 overs (Malan 35, Little 2-16) by five runs on DLS method

With bat and ball both sides of a collapse of 7 for 25, Ireland dominated the powerplay to defeat England at the MCG and add another glorious chapter to Irish sports history. Ireland found new heroes on a rainy afternoon in Melbourne to stun a more favoured England team once again at a World Cup eleven years after Kevin O’Brien led Ireland to a memorable victory in Bengaluru.

With the new ball, Josh Little posed a threat to England, utilising the MCG pitch’s sharp movement and bounce. The left-arm quick knocked out Alex Hales after first nicking off Jos Buttler. In his third T20I, Fionn Hand broke through Ben Stokes’ defences to leave England 29 for 3 in the sixth over in their pursuit of 158. With his quick darts, leg spinner Gareth Delany increased England’s asking rate even more.

England were five runs behind on DLS when rain fell once more, despite Moeen Ali’s threat of a late fightback, highlighted by a straight six in the 15th over. Soon after, the rain got heavier, and the game ended at 6.50 p.m. with Ireland’s players celebrating a significant victory with their fans and loved ones in the rain.

HIGHLIGHTS

Balbirnie, Tucker make merry

Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie, as they have frequently done in recent times, dashed out of the blocks after rain played hide-and-seek earlier in the afternoon as well.

Sam Curran’s attempt to scoop it back in was unsuccessful after Stirling smeared Chris Woakes over extra cover and then spliced Mark Wood’s first ball over the third-man boundary. Stirling attempted to repeat the shot after two balls, but Wood cranked it up to 150 kilometres per hour, tucked him in, and had him splice it straight to Curran.

On a spicy pitch, Lorcan Tucker, who typically plays well against spin, demonstrated that he could cut it against the pace and bounce of Wood and Woakes. Ireland moved up to 59 for 1 in six overs with a punchy six by Tucker to end the powerplay. Curran was the pitcher.

When Balbirnie lined up Woakes for two fours and a six in the tenth over, he increased the tempo. At one point, he was on 25 off 24 balls. Buttler was forced to use Liam Livingstone’s all-sorts spin as the seamers were leaking runs.

Wood’s extra pace, Livingstone’s lack of pace

England broke the 82-run second-wicket partnership when Adil Rashid deflected a straight drive from Balbirnie back onto the stumps at his end in his follow through to catch Tucker short for 34 off 27 balls after Livingstone gave up just five runs in his first over.

In the subsequent over, Wood returned to the attack and used a 153 kph thunderbolt to trap Harry Tector. Curtis Campher and Delany were both knocked off their helmets as Wood continued to bowl at speeds in the 150 kph range.

Livingstone mixed up his pace well and made it difficult for Ireland’s batters to score big runs at the MCG. In the 16th over, he caught Balbirnie at deep square leg and caught George Dockrell with the next ball, causing a complete collapse. Ireland went from 132 for 3 in the 16th over to 157 all out, with four balls remaining in their innings.

Little’s big moment

By defeating Buttler for a duck, Little gave Ireland’s defence a grand start. He and Adair bowled much more full than England’s seamers did earlier in the day with the new ball. Little dug one into the pitch and drew a top-edged pull to short fine leg for 7, testing Hales with the fuller length as well. With the tactful use of angles and length variations, he went on to handcuff Malan.

Little has stepped up on the big stage against England and is the new face of Ireland’s attack. He has played franchise cricket for the Hundred (Manchester Originals), the Lanka Premier League (Dambulla Giants), and even the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a net bowler.

Before McCarthy had him miscue a pull, Malan struggled to 35 off 37 balls.Before Brook also holed out, failing to clear the boundary, Delany scored just five runs off nine balls.

At the beginning of the eleventh over, Ireland were unruly in the field, taking two catches off two balls, but their bowling was flawless. When Moeen hit three fours and a six in seven (legal) balls, he was on to something, but it wasn’t enough to put England ahead when the rain came back.

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Before rain wiped out the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean in 2010, Ireland had given England a scare.This time, Ireland could not be denied.