England Win 2-0 vs Ireland: Cox’s Fifty Seals Series
England defeated Ireland by six wickets in the final T20 International to win the series 2-0, thanks to a gritty 55 off 35 balls from Jordan Cox during the chase of 155 at Malahide. The Guardian+4ESPN Cricinfo+4AP News+4
Key Match Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | 3rd T20I, England vs Ireland at Malahide ESPN Cricinfo+1 |
| Ireland’s Total | 154 for 8 in their 20 overs AP News+1 |
| Top for Ireland | Gareth Delany with 48 not out (29 balls) AP News+1 |
| England’s Target | 155 to win ESPN Cricinfo+1 |
| England’s Score & Result | 155 for 4, won by 6 wickets, with 17 balls remaining ESPN Cricinfo+1 |
| Jordan Cox’s Performance | 55 off 35 balls – his maiden international fifty and match-defining innings Reuters+2ESPN Cricinfo+2 |
| Other key contributors | Tom Banton unbeaten on 37 off 26 ESPN Cricinfo+2AP News+2; bowlers like Adil Rashid (3-29) helped control Ireland’s innings. ESPN Cricinfo+2The Guardian+2 |
Background & Context
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The second T20I of the series was abandoned due to rain. Reuters+2AP News+2
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England had already taken the first match, with a big innings by Phil Salt (89 off 46) chasing down a big target. Reuters+1
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Cox, 24, was not originally in the squad but was added after impressive performances in The Hundred. Despite a knee injury sustained during Ireland’s innings, he played a key role in England’s chase. Reuters+1
FAQ
Q1: Who was the captain of England?
A1: Jacob Bethell captained England in this series, becoming England’s youngest captain in any format. Reuters+1
Q2: Did Jordan Cox face any injury issues during the match?
A2: Yes. He jarred his knee while fielding, but returned to bat and scored 55. Reuters+1
Q3: How did Ireland perform with the bat?
A3: Ireland made 154-8 in their 20 overs. Gareth Delany was unbeaten on 48, though England’s spinners (including Adil Rashid) made crucial inroads. ESPN Cricinfo+2The Guardian+2
Q4: How much were England ahead in terms of balls remaining?
A4: England won with 17 balls to spare. AP News+2ESPN Cricinfo+2
Q5: What’s next for England after this series?
A5: This series win adds momentum ahead of upcoming fixtures including the T20 World Cup. Players like Cox, Banton, and Salt will look to build on this good form. (Official statements emphasized adaptability and aggression.) Reuters+1
Conclusion
England closed out a 2-0 series win over Ireland in their final T20 match at Malahide, powered by a resilient reply anchored by Jordan Cox’s 55. The victory came with comfort—17 balls to spare—and showcased England’s depth with bat and ball, setting a positive tone ahead of important future tournaments.
