England's second T20 match in Ireland abandoned due to rain, setting up Sunday decider
Updated 19/09/2025 at 16:18 GMT+1
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England's second match of their three-match series in Ireland has been abandoned without a ball being bowled, meaning the series will be decided on Sunday. Phil Salt’s 89 helped England to a four-wicket victory over Ireland with 2.2 overs to spare in the first T20 in Malahide, but no play was possible in the second T20, with rain coming out on top this afternoon.
Highlights: Salt stars as England beat Ireland in first T20
Video credit: TNT Sports
Second T20 International abandoned for rain ahead of Sunday's series finale
The second T20 International between Ireland and England was abandoned without a ball being bowled, as rain continued to tumble in Malahide.
England had won the first T20 by four wickets and were looking to wrap up the series after two matches, but the covers never came off the pitch.
The third and final match of the series will take place at the same venue on Sunday, with England needing to avoid defeat to take the series.
Ireland will need to beat England on Sunday to draw the series.
You watch Sunday's series decider LIVE on TNT Sports and discovery+
Match abandoned!
Unfortunately, we have received the news that we have been dreading and the match has been abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Sunday will now be the series decider.
Scott Currie to leave the tour
Scott Currie will return to England today so that he can participate in Hampshire's One Day Cup final tomorrow.
The fast bowler had been called up to replace Saqib Mahmood.
No rain in Abu Dhabi
India are taking on Oman in the group stages of the Asia Cup, with the reigning world champions batting first.
You can follow the action LIVE on TNT Sports and discovery+
The Umpires are having a look
Despite the rain still falling, the umpires have gone for a walk around the outfield to take a look at the more soggy areas.
We need to be playing by 17:16 for a five-over match
We've got around two hours for play to start and considering the groundstaff will need at least 45 minutes to clear the outfield, it's not looking promising.
No change in the weather
Unfortunately there has been no change in the weather here in Malahide.
Who is looking nailed on to go to the T20 World Cup?
With the T20 World Cup approaching in February, let's take a look at who is almost nailed on to make the 15-man squad.
Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Jamie Smith and Mark Wood if fit and available.
That leaves a remaining seven spots up for grabs for the likes of Tom Banton, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks and Luke Wood to fight for.
We are still yet to have an inspection
Unfortunately, the inspection that was due at 13:30 has still not occured, as the rain refuses to stop.
We will keep you updated if anything changes.
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England captain Jacob Bethell inspects with the outfield alongside Jordan Cox ahead of the second T20 Interantional match between Ireland and England at Malahide Cricket Club
Image credit: Getty Images
There is some cricket going on
Unfortunately, it is the crowd who are playing in the stands.
What is next for England after this series?
England will travel to New Zealand for a three-match T20 series, before a three-match ODI series with the Black Caps.
There will be a few players looking to put themselves forward for a spot on the squad for the trip to New Zealand, if they can get on the pitch this afternoon.
You can watch all of the action in New Zealand LIVE on TNT Sports and discovery+
It is still raining
Unfortunately the rain is stll tumbling from the sky and there is no sign of an inspection, let alone play.
Phil Salt in the form of his life
Phil Salt is in the form of his life right now, smashing 89 off just 46 balls in the first T20 International against Ireland.
Just last week, Salt hit a whopping 141 runs off 60 balls, as England posted 304/2 in their second T20 International against South Africa.
With the T20 World Cup coming up next year, Salt looks to be the most important piece of England's batting line-up.
A reminder of what happened in the first T20
While we wait for rain updates, here are some highlights from the first T20 International between Ireland and England.
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Highlights: Salt stars as England beat Ireland in first T20
Video credit: TNT Sports
Luke Wood discusses the tour of Ireland
On the Village Ground: "We managed to get there the day before. We got a feel for the dimensions and took it all in. It was good fun. The crowd is quite close which makes you feel smaller but it was a great pitch."
"We’ve played a bit of golf, the lads have enjoyed it. One good thing about touring here is that we’re experiencing different things. It’s been great fun."
Covers are back on
The rain has started again here in Ireland, so the inspection may be dealyed.
Play needs to start by 17:16 for a five-over match to be played.
Luke Wood looks back at the first match
"It was an exciting game for spectators, high-scoring games are good to watch."
"They probably got a bit too maby in the end, but credit to them. Jos Buttler and Phil Salt are hard to defend against, but it was a great game overall."
Lorcan Tucker speaks
"It was great and the start of a new programme for us, looking ahead to next year's World Cup, so nice to get into some form.
"I have been trying to work on my power, the pitch was a bit tacky, so you had to wait for those big shots.
"The way England batted in the powerplay blew us away, we need to change how we bowl in the powerplay today," said Lorcan Tucker to TNT Sports.
Inspection at 13:30
"We are going to have an inspection at 13:30, there are some soft areas on the outfield.
"As long as the weather does not deteriorate, we are hopeful of getting some play.
"There is rain around, but as long as it does stop raining, the inspection will go ahead," said the umpires ahead of the inspection.
Weather forecast not looking promising
Unfortunately, the weather forecast in Malahide is not looking promising, with rain expected for the rest of the day.
Fingers crossed we can get some cricket.
Craig Young discusses the first T20 International
"I don’t think conditions played a massive part – the wicket was on the slower side, but we are familiar with that. There wasn’t much nip or swing for us, but hopefully there’s still a bit in the track for tomorrow to help, particularly our seamers.
"We all know how good England are, but we will back ourselves. Our batters were brilliant yesterday, and hopefully they can come again and we as a bowling unit back them up, and we can get out on the right side of a result," said Craig Young to Cricket Ireland.
Delayed start
Unfortunately, due to the rain, there will be a delay to the start.
There will be a ground inspection taking place at 13:30 and we will keep you updated.
England can take the series with victory this afternoon
England came out on top in the first of three T20 Internationals on Wednesday, winning by four wickets, with 14 balls to spare. Victory this afternoon will see England claim the series, ahead of Sunday's series finale.
13:30 start still expected despite the rain
There has been some rain around in Malahide this morning, but we are still hopeful of a 13:30 start, with things starting to clear up.
Welcome to our live coverage of England's second T20 match against Ireland. Stay tuned for live text commentary of all the action.
You can watch the three-match series live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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