The New Zealand vs England T20I series has reached its business end. Overall, England has an advantage with a win in the 2nd T20I, and the 1st T20I ended without a result. England took control of the 2nd T20I by dominating with their bat, and their bowlers prevented the opposition from completing the chase.

New Zealand chose to bowl first after winning the toss in the 2nd T20I match. The decision worked against the team as their bowlers failed to control the opposition's run rate. When it came to the Kiwis' batting unit, they were unable to form partnerships.

Also Read: NZ vs ENG Dream11 Prediction 3rd T20I match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

NZ vs ENG Match Details

• Match: New Zealand vs England, 3rd T20I

• Date: 23rd October 2025

• Time: 11:45 AM IST

• Venue: Eden Park, Auckland 

• Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs ENG Weather Report

NZ vs ENG Pitch Report

The surface here will be good for batting with very short boundaries on either side. We can expect a high-scoring fixture, and both teams will prefer chasing.

Top Batters to Watch – NZ vs ENG

• Harry Brook (ENG): 98 runs in this Series 

• Phil Salt (ENG): 88 runs in this Series 

• Sam Curran (ENG): 57 runs in this Series 

Top Bowlers to Watch – NZ vs ENG

• Adil Rashid (ENG): 4 wickets in this Series 

• Kyle Jamieson (NZ): 3 wickets in this Series 

• Jacob Duffy (NZ): 2 wickets in this Series 

NZ vs ENG Recent Form

NZ vs ENG Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If NZ Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 50–55

• Predicted Total: 170–185

• Match Result: ENG to win

Scenario 2: If ENG Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 65–70

• Predicted Total: 200–220

• Match Result: ENG to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

NZ vs ENG Predicted Playing XIs

England 

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Jordan Cox, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood.

New Zealand 

Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert, Mitchell Santner (c), James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.

NZ vs ENG Complete Squads

England Squad

Harry Brook (c), Zak Crawley, Jacob Bethell, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Sam Curran, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton (wk), Jordan Cox (wk), Philip Salt (wk), Jos Buttler (wk), Sonny Baker, Luke Wood, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse.

New Zealand Squad

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert.

NZ vs ENG Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

We predict that England will win the 3rd T20I match. The likes of Phil Salt, Jos Buttler and Sam Curran will be key players to watch out for.

NZ vs ENG Match FAQs

Q1. Where can I watch the NZ vs ENG live match?

You can watch the live streaming on the FanCode app and website.

Q2. Who will win today’s NZ vs ENG T20I match?

According to our today match prediction, England are favourites to win this encounter.

Q3. What is the head-to-head record between New Zealand and England in T20Is?

England holds the upper hand in T20I head-to-head meetings against New Zealand 

England posted 153/6 in their 20 overs with the bat on Saturday, but it could have been a whole lot worse had it not been for all-rounder Sam Curran, who made 49 not out from 35 balls at number six. England's bowlers were well rested on Saturday, so they should be ready to play hard in this game. However, it would be appreciated if Brydon Carse could take an extra break before the busy winter down under.

On the other hand, New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first. Their bowling unit started on a strong note by getting rid of England’s key players at an early stage. England, for the 2nd fixture, will be hoping for a strong start from their top order.

Also Read: ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025: IND-W vs ENG-W Today Match Prediction – 20th Match, Who Will Win Today?

NZ vs ENG Match Details

• Match: New Zealand vs England, 2nd T20I

• Date: 20th October 2025

• Time: 11:45 AM IST

• Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch 

• Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs ENG Weather Report

NZ vs ENG Pitch Report

The surface here will be good for batting with very short boundaries on either side. We can expect a high-scoring fixture, and both teams will prefer chasing.

Top Batters to Watch – NZ vs ENG

• Sam Curran (ENG): 49 runs in this Series 

• Jos Buttler (ENG): 29 runs in this Series 

• Harry Brook (ENG): 20 runs in this Series 

Top Bowlers to Watch – NZ vs ENG

• Matt Henry (NZ): 1 wicket in this Series 

• Mitchell Satner (NZ): 1 wicket in this Series 

• Kyle Jamieson (NZ): 1 wicket in this Series 

NZ vs ENG Recent Form

NZ vs ENG Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If NZ Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 50–55

• Predicted Total: 170–185

• Match Result: NZ to win

Scenario 2: If ENG Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 45–50

• Predicted Total: 150–1600

• Match Result: NZ to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

NZ vs ENG Predicted Playing XIs

England 

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Jordan Cox, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood.

New Zealand 

Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert, Mitchell Santner (c), James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.

NZ vs ENG Complete Squads

England Squad

Harry Brook (c), Zak Crawley, Jacob Bethell, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Sam Curran, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton (wk), Jordan Cox (wk), Philip Salt (wk), Jos Buttler (wk), Sonny Baker, Luke Wood, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse.

New Zealand Squad

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert.

NZ vs ENG Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

We predict that New Zealand will win the 2nd T20I match. The likes of Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert will be key players to watch out for.

NZ vs ENG Match FAQs

Q1. Where can I watch the NZ vs ENG live match?

You can watch the live streaming on the FanCode app and website.

Q2. Who will win today’s NZ vs ENG T20I match?

According to our today match prediction, New Zealand are favourites to win this encounter.

Q3. What is the head-to-head record between New Zealand and England in T20Is?

England holds the upper hand in T20I head-to-head meetings against New Zealand 

The T20 format will be the new focus of international cricket, with two top teams colliding for a 3-match T20I series. Starting on Saturday, New Zealand will be hosting England in a 3-match T20I and ODI series. The first T20I match between NZ and ENG is scheduled for Saturday at the Hagley Oval cricket stadium.

New Zealand recently hosted Australia in a three-match T20I series. They lost the series by 0-2, and this series loss will impact the team morale while playing against England. England is heading to New Zealand after winning the T20I series against Ireland. They will be expected to continue the momentum against the Kiwis.

Also Read: NZ vs ENG Dream11 Prediction 1st T20I match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

NZ vs ENG Match Details

• Match: New Zealand vs England, 1st T20I

• Date: 18th October 2025

• Time: 11:45 AM IST

• Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch 

• Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs ENG Weather Report

NZ vs ENG Pitch Report

The surface here will be good for batting with very short boundaries on either side. We can expect a high-scoring fixture, and both teams will prefer chasing.

Top Batters to Watch – NZ vs ENG

• Jos Buttler (ENG): 3836 runs in T20I 

• Tim Seifert (NZ): 1788 runs in T20I 

• Phil Salt (ENG): 1452 runs in T20I 

Top Bowlers to Watch – NZ vs ENG

• Adil Rashid (ENG): 141 wickets in T20I

• Mitchell Satner (NZ): 124 wickets in T20I 

• Matt Henry (NZ): 39 wickets in T20I 

NZ vs ENG Recent Form

NZ vs ENG Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If NZ Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 50–55

• Predicted Total: 160–175

• Match Result: ENG to win

Scenario 2: If ENG Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 55–65

• Predicted Total: 180–200

• Match Result: ENG to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

NZ vs ENG Predicted Playing XIs

England 

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Jordan Cox, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood.

New Zealand 

Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert, Mitchell Santner (c), James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.

NZ vs ENG Complete Squads

England Squad

Harry Brook (c), Zak Crawley, Jacob Bethell, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Sam Curran, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton (wk), Jordan Cox (wk), Philip Salt (wk), Jos Buttler (wk), Sonny Baker, Luke Wood, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse.

New Zealand Squad

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert.

NZ vs ENG Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

We predict that England will win the 1st T20I match. The likes of Phil Salt, Jos Buttler and Adil Rashid will be key players to watch out for.

NZ vs ENG Match FAQs

Q1. Where can I watch the NZ vs ENG live match?

You can watch the live streaming on the FanCode app and website.

Q2. Who will win today’s NZ vs ENG T20I match?

According to our today match prediction, England are favourites to win this encounter.

Q3. What is the head-to-head record between New Zealand and England in T20Is?

England holds the upper hand in T20I head-to-head meetings against New Zealand 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were unsure about the availability of their explosive opener Phil Salt for the IPL 2025 final. Salt had skipped training on the eve of the big match, sparking reports that he might miss the clash.

The uncertainty arose because Salt had flown back to England after Qualifier 1 to be with his wife, Abi, for the birth of their first child on June 1. Although he wanted to be present for both his family and his team, Abi insisted he should not miss another final, telling him to return to India immediately.

“I was in Ahmedabad two days before the final, and got a phone call off the missus to say it was definitely happening,” Salt told ESPN. “I got on the plane as quickly as I could. Abi kicked me out the door, basically. She said, 'You have to play'. She made the decision for me, which was very funny – and very selfless of her.”

Salt’s IPL Journey and Match Impact

Salt’s determination to play was strengthened by missing the 2024 final with Kolkata Knight Riders due to national duty, an absence he admitted had hurt him as KKR went on to win the title. Landing in Ahmedabad on the morning of the final, Salt scored a quick 16 off 9 balls and took a stunning catch, helping RCB defeat Punjab Kings to claim their first-ever IPL trophy after 18 attempts. This marked Salt’s second consecutive IPL title, having won with KKR in 2024.

See Also: On This Day: 18-year-old Titas Sadhu helped India to win Asian Games gold medal defeating Sri Lanka

Prior to the final, Salt was one of RCB's best players in IPL 2025, having scored 387 runs over 12 matches at an average of 35.18 and a strike rate of 175.90. In Qualifier 1, his unbeaten innings of 56 in 27 deliveries showed that he could win the match for his side. Since making his debut with Delhi Capitals in 2023, Salt has become one of the IPL’s most explosive openers and made 1,056 runs in 34 innings at a strike rate of 176 over three seasons.

The England wicket-keeper and opening batter, Phil Salt, went back home when the IPL 2025 was suspended for a week due to the Pahalgam terror attack. When the tournament restarted, he came back to India for the first qualifier game for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and went back home to be with his wife.

Salt recalled the period of how his wife, Abi McLaven, made the decision and convinced the batter to be with the franchise in the final. The opener, who missed the IPL 2024 final for the Kolkata Knight Riders, however, wanted to be with his wife and newborn child.

See Also: [WATCH] Raghu's motivational video in Indian dressing room goes viral during Asia Cup 2025

“I was in Ahmedabad two days before the final, and got a phone call from the missus to say it was definitely happening. I got on the plane as quickly as I could. Abi kicked me out the door, basically. She said, 'You have to play. ' She made the decision for me, which was very funny - and very selfless of her.” Salt was expressed during a recent interaction on ESPNcricinfo.

Phil Salt recalls story of how he got convinced to return for IPL 2025 final

Salt, during the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, smashed 403 runs in 13 innings at an average of 33.58 and a strike rate of 175.98 with the help of four half-centuries. It was a successful season when he crossed the 400-run mark.

“I missed an IPL final the year before, and that one really hurt because we [Kolkata Knight Riders] went on to win it. I was part of everything leading up to it, and then not be a part of it did sting a bit. The final was a little bit of a blur until the last over, which I remember second by second. It all happened very quick It was really, really special.” The Lancashire batter explained.

In the recent T20I, Salt has been in exceptional touch. He bashed an unbeaten 141 runs against South Africa in Manchester and continued with another 89 runs against Ireland in Dublin.  

IRE vs ENG 3rd T20I: Ireland will take on England for the 3rd time in the series. England won the first T20I, while the second match was abandoned. Today, in the final and decisive clash, both teams will take the field aiming to secure the series. This match will be played at The Village, Malahide, Dublin, at 6:00 PM. In this article, we will explore IRE vs ENG playing 11, Pitch reports and Key players' stats.

IRE vs ENG 3rd T20I Match Details:

Ireland's Team Preview:

Ireland lost their first match of the series to England, and the second match was washed out due to rain. Now, in this third and final match, they will look to avenge their last defeat and level the series.. In the first match, Ireland’s star all-rounder Harry Tector played a brilliant knock of 61 runs on 36 balls, supported by Lorcan Tucker, who scored 55 runs.

Paul Stirling and Ross Adair provided a good start to the team, setting a competitive target of 197 runs for England. However, they could not defend them and lost the match by 4 wickets. In the bowling section, Matthew Humphreys and Graham Hume bowled well and took 2 wickets each, while Harry Tector and Gareth Delany picked 1 wicket each. 

Ireland's Key players:

England Team Preview: 

England has created a psychological dominance over Ireland by winning the first T20 match. And they will enter the field today with the intention of winning the series. England won the last T20I against Ireland by 4 wickets. In this match, Phil Salt played a crucial inning of 89 runs and was awarded Man of the Match.

Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell and Sam Curran also played short but important innings for England and secured the victory. In the bowling section, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid bowled well and took 1 wicket each. 

England’s Key Players: 

IRE vs ENG 3rd T20I Probable Playing XI:

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

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

Scoring pattern at The Village, Malahide, Dublin:

In this match, wind and overcast conditions may cause the ball to swing slightly in the early overs. This ground is generally considered to be very favourable for batsmen. The pitch remains batting-friendly, especially if the batsmen get off to a good start with the necessary patience.

IRE vs ENG 3rd T20I Expert Opinion and Match Prediction:

Even though England won the first T20I match, the Irish batsmen batted well in that match as well. Since both teams are in good form, this match is expected to be very exciting. In terms of their chances of victory, England have a slightly higher chance of winning this match than Ireland, as they have more experienced players and have already won their first match.

IRE vs ENG T20I Series 2025 Squad:

Ireland Squad: Paul Stirling(c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Barry McCarthy, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Craig Young, Benjamin Calitz, Jordan Neill, Ben White

England Squad: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (WK), Jacob Bethell(c), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood,  Tom Hartley, Jordan Cox, Saqib Mahmood, Sonny Baker

IRE vs ENG 3rd T20I FAQ

When will the IRE vs ENG 3rd T20I be played?

This match will be played at The Village, Malahide, Dublin, at 6:00 PM.

What is the series score before the 3rd T20I?

England currently leads the series

Who were the standout performers in the last T20I?

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Harry Tector, and Lorcan Tucker

Which players are key to watch in the 3rd T20I?

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler

The Ireland vs England T20i series has reached its last fixture. England is ahead in the series by 1-0, and the 2nd fixture was abandoned because of the interruption from rain. IRE vs ENG 3rd T20i match is scheduled to take place on Sunday at the Village stadium.

The Ireland vs England cricket rivalry is not new due to the political tensions between the two countries. England definitely holds an advantage in the head-to-head records but Ireland has given tough times to the opposition in the past.

IRE vs ENG Match Details

Date: 21st September, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM IST

Venue: The Village, Dublin 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

IRE vs ENG Weather & Pitch Report 

Whether Report -

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Pitch Report -

• Avg 1st innings score: 175-190

• The chasing team has an advantage

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: IND vs PAK Today Match Prediction– Super Four, Match 2, Who will win today?

Top Batters to Watch in IRE vs ENG

• Phil Salt (ENG) - 89 runs in this Series 

• Harry Tector (IRE) - 61 runs in this Series 

• Lorcan Tucker (IRE) – 55 runs in this Series 

Top Bowler to Watch in IRE vs ENG

• Matthew Humphreys (IRE) - 2 wickets in this Series 

• Graham Hume (IRE) - 2 wickets in this Series 

• Jamie Overton (ENG) - 1 wicket in this Series 

IRE vs ENG Recent Form

IRE vs ENG Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If ENG bats first

• First Innings score prediction- ENG is expected to score 220-250 runs

• Result prediction- ENG will win the match by 40-60 Runs 

Scenario 2- If IRE bats first

• First Innings score prediction- IRE is expected to score 160-180 runs.

• Result prediction- ENG will win the match by 6 wickets 

IRE vs ENG Predicted Playing XI

Ireland (IRE) Playing XI 

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

England (ENG) Playing XI

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

IRE vs ENG Complete Squad

Ireland - 

Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neil, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.

England -

Jacob Bethell (c), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Scott Currie, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Philip Salt, Luke Wood, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran.

IRE vs ENG Today Match Prediction - Who Will Win Today?

England to win

We predict that England will win this third T20I match. The likes of Phil Salt, Jos Buttler and Sam Curran will be key players to watch out for.

England chased down their target of 197 with 14 balls remaining on Wednesday and once again they have opener Phil Salt to thank for producing a brilliant display of hitting at the top of the order. Salt struck 10 fours and 4 sixes in his 89 runs from 46 balls but actually played second-fiddle at the start of the innings with former skipper, keeper-batter Jos Buttler hitting 28 runs from only ten balls.

On the other hand, Ireland were on the receiving end of the result in Malahide on Wednesday, they can be proud of their performance and will bring two half-centurions from that match into Friday's contest. It was an impressive batting display, aided by some poor bowling from the visitors, with Ireland posting 196/3 although with the benefit of hindsight, the hosts would probably have wanted an additional 20-25 runs

IRE vs ENG Match Details

Date: 19th September, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM IST

Venue: Dublin Road End 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

IRE vs ENG Weather & Pitch Report 

Whether Report -

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Pitch Report -

• Avg 1st innings score: 170-180

• The chasing team has an advantage

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: IND vs OMN Today Match Prediction– 12th Match, Who will win today?

Top Batters to Watch in IRE vs ENG

• Phil Salt (ENG) - 89 runs in this Series 

• Harry Tector (IRE) - 61 runs in this Series 

• Lorcan Tucker (IRE) – 55 runs in this Series 

Top Bowler to Watch in IRE vs ENG

• Matthew Humphreys (IRE) - 2 wickets in this Series 

• Graham Hume (IRE) - 2 wickets in this Series 

• Jamie Overton (ENG) - 1 wicket in this Series 

IRE vs ENG Recent Form

IRE vs ENG Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If ENG bats first

• First Innings score prediction- ENG is expected to score 220-250 runs

• Result prediction- ENG will win the match by 40-60 Runs 

Scenario 2- If IRE bats first

• First Innings score prediction- IRE is expected to score 160-180 runs.

• Result prediction- ENG will win the match by 6 wickets 

IRE vs ENG Predicted Playing XI

Ireland (IRE) Playing XI 

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

England (ENG) Playing XI

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

IRE vs ENG Complete Squad

Ireland - 

Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neil, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.

England -

Jacob Bethell (c), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Scott Currie, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Philip Salt, Luke Wood, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran.

IRE vs ENG Today Match Prediction - Who Will Win Today?

England to win

We predict that England will win this second T20I match. The likes of Phil Salt, Jos Buttler and Sam Curran will be key players to watch out for.

Last week, Jos Buttler celebrated his 35th birthday, which is significant because it makes him the experienced player in a youthful batting line-up for England. In Dublin, during the T20I series against Ireland, Buttler stood out as the only player in England’s top seven to be over 30 years old, alongside 21-year-olds Jacob Bethell, who is captaining for the first time, and Rehan Ahmed – the contrast could not have been larger.

Opening the Door to Success for England 

This inevitably begs the question that England may not want to answer: will next year’s T20 World Cup be Buttler’s last – seventh – T20 World Cup? So far, he shows no sign of slowing down and even if only Nicholas Pooran has more T20 worldwide runs than Buttler this calendar year, none of this mentions Buttler’s destructive play, as shown in his 30-ball-83 against South Africa, as well as absolutely obliterating Ireland’s Graham Hume in Malahide. Nevertheless, Buttler is exactly the same age that Eoin Morgan was when he walked away at the end of 2022.

For England, the issue is not when Buttler will leave, it is about how to capitalise on what he still has left. Recently, England's games have reiterated the importance about having Buttler at the very top of the order, alongside Phil Salt. After 12 months of experimentation of whether Buttler could bat at No. 3 across T20Is, the IPL, the Blast, and the Hundred, the fact he is back opening the batting again has been something of a 'revelation.' 

ALSO SEE: Jan Frylinck enters record books with explosive 13-ball half-century

"But going out at 0 for 0 you have had that full Powerplay," Buttler said. "That is fun! I am happy to bat anywhere but opening gives you that opportunity in the first six overs," and the stats support him. Buttler averages 53.58 in the Powerplay as an opener, striking at 155.31, and I can imagine there are not too many players in world cricket that can produce as much consistency and explosiveness as Buttler can.

Why England Must Support Their Successful Partnership

The partnership with Salt has also proven to be one of the strongest in T20. Their 126-run stand off just 47 balls against South Africa was followed up with 74 off 28 balls against Ireland, making them the first England openers to pass 1,000 runs as a pair. Salt puts it simply: "We feed off each other. I tried to start aggressively and then Jos comes in with his own style. The more we bat together, the easier it comes." 

Across 46 short-form innings together for England, Lancashire, and Manchester Originals, Buttler and Salt must be ranked as one of the most productive opening pairs in T20 history. For England, to keep them together feels like the obvious move. Duckett may go back to No. 3 and other batters, including Dawson and Foakes, would wait their time but the value of the relationship between Buttler and Salt surely weighs heavier than those other factors. 

Next year's World Cup will likely take England to India, where Buttler knows well from his decade in the IPL will probably be his swan-song tournament or not, and there could be and probably will be significant weight of expectation put on him. At 35 years old, he is still England's match-winner and they have to create as many opportunities as they can for him to cause damage. 

Phil Salt's whirlwind unbeaten 141-run innings shattered multiple records in international cricket. It was now a natural side in everyday cricket. Even in the era of limited overs cricket, Salt's record-breaking knock was something else. Over the years the world of cricket witnessed numerous swashbuckling batters, including Virender Sehwag. Sehwag in his prime was a monster with a bat. Against some of the dangerous bowlers, he just loved to toy with them with minimal footwork. If we compare these two openers from two different generations, who will emerge as better in terms of stats? Let's find out. 

Virender Sehwag:

One of the most attacking openers Indian cricket ever had. From the beginning to the end, he preferred to drive in only top gear. Even in the 'nervous 90s,' when most batters chose to play with extra caution, Sehwag, without any hesitation, often hoisted the balls for maximum or at least for boundaries. Whether it was limited overs cricket or Test matches, the Delhi-born maintained his fearless approach while batting, especially against spinners. Hailing from Najafgarh, he started his career as a middle-order batter and was then promoted to the opening spot.

For this article, we have to put aside his Test career stats, including his milestone 319-run knock, as Phil Salt is yet to discover himself in the format. In One Day Internationals, Sehwag concluded his career with a batting average of slightly over 35 after playing 251 matches. In the 50-over format, he accumulated 8273 runs in total, powered by a double century. In T20Is, he played only 19 games and scored 394 runs, which took the batting average to 21.88 with a couple of half centuries. 

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Read More: WATCH: 0 for 2! Sri Lanka put Bangladesh in deep trouble during BAN vs SL Asia Cup 2025 match

Phil Salt

The England opener established himself as a limited-over cricketer. The unbeaten 141-run innings marked his best in T20Is. In 45 T20Is, the right-handed batter smashed 1334 runs at a batting average of 37.05, powered by four hundreds and five fifties. In ODIs, the opener, as of now, notched five 50s and a single 100. In 33 One Day International games, the batter scored 988 runs in total in 33 matches. 

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