In the stunning surrounds of Malahide, a momentous occasion awaits as Ireland is about to stage their first-ever bilateral Men’s T20I series against England.
The much-anticipated event, kicks off on 17 September and the excitement carried on the Irish Sea's breeze will be palpable as the English team flies across it.
This isn’t just another set of games for Ireland, it's an opportunity to prove they’re ready to compete with the best, while England will be looking to test, tinker, and turn the head to head record in their favour.
Ireland determined to upstage the English
Ireland last played a T20I series against the West Indies in June, however with rain playing spoil sport in the first two matches and the third ending in defeat, making the games against England even more crucial as part of their T20 World Cup 2026 preparation.
Last week, selector Andrew White also alluded to the “opportunity” that the series against England presents.
“These matches against England offer us an opportunity to test ourselves against one of the world’s best teams as we build-up to that tournament [T20 World Cup 2026],” he told Cricket Ireland.
Ireland's bowling attack will be notably weakened by the absence of Josh Little, Mark Adair and Fionn Hand as all three continue their injury rehabilitation.
Returning pacer Craig Young, who took eight wickets in three matches against Zimbabwe in February, will lead the attack along with Barry McCarthy. Young boasts an impressive record with 84 wickets in 67 T20I innings.
The skipper, Paul Stirling, has been finding himself short of runs in the 50 over format off late, however, the shortest format is where the 35-year-old finds his mojo. This high-profile series will provide the perfect stage to unleash himself at the top of the order.
Ireland will have huge expectations from Curtis Campher, the all-rounder scored a brilliant 123* (68) balls in the English One-Day Cup for Essex against Surrey last month.
Exciting prospect Ben Calitz receives his first senior call up and is in line for his international debut. The 23-year old offers versatility to the squad depth providing a left-handed batting option and a wicket-keeping cover.
England Arrive with Fresh Blood
With full-time white ball captain Harry Brook rested, Jacob Bethell will be taking on the leadership mantle. Already having made waves in International cricket, Bethell, known for his aggressive brand of batting and phenomenal ball striking, is set to rewrite the history books. At 21 years and 329 days, the all-rounder will become England's youngest-ever international captain, breaking a 136-year-old record which belonged to Monty Bowden.
England's squad against Ireland is packed with powerful hitters, including Phil Salt and Jos Buttler. Salt, fresh from a record-breaking 141* off 60 balls, the highest individual score by Englishman, will be a threat that Irish bowlers will have deal early in the innings. Buttler, who smacked 80 off 33 balls, shared a gobsmacking 126-run opening partnership in just 7.5 overs laying the foundation for England to surpass the 300-run mark.
Despite some of the regular names missing from the English squad, Ireland head coach, Heinrach Malan, expects a major challenge against England.
“There's still some experience within their squad and a sprinkle of some youth who have all shown their worth in The Hundred so we're under no illusions that it's going to be a quality side and we have to make sure we do our homework and rock up prepared,” Malan told BBC.
Fixtures
17 September 2025 - Ireland vs England First T20I, Malahide Cricket Ground
19 September 2025 - Ireland vs England Second T20I, Malahide Cricket Ground
21 September 2025 - Ireland vs England Third T20I, Malahide Cricket Ground
Head to Head
Ireland lead 1-0 England
Ireland have faced England twice in T20Is with both being during World Cups. The first encounter ended without a result in 2010, while in the second game, Ireland clinched a five run victory via DLS method during the T20 World Cup 2022 in Melbourne.
Weather
Reports suggest that the first and second T20I have little to no probability of rain however there is a high chance of rain interrupting the third T20I on Sunday
Ireland Squad
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 Squad
Jacob Bethell (c), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Scott Curie, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood.
