By Tim Douglas 
Belfast Wolves made an emphatic statement in their opening match of the European T20 Premier League 2026, producing a dominant all-round performance to defeat Dublin Guardians by 52 runs at Sportpark Duivesteijn in Voorburg on August 27. Half-centuries from Mark Chapman and captain Glenn Maxwell powered the Wolves to a competitive total of 184/7 before a disciplined bowling display restricted the Guardians to 132/9.
The second match of the inaugural ETPL 2026 season delivered plenty of star power and attacking cricket, but it was Belfast who proved superior when the key moments arrived. After recovering from a challenging position in their innings, the Wolves’ experienced middle order took control, while their bowlers ensured Dublin never gained momentum in the chase. The comprehensive victory gave Belfast a perfect start to their campaign and highlighted the depth and quality in their squad.
Chapman and Maxwell Power Belfast Wolves to 184
After Dublin Guardians won the toss and elected to field first, Belfast Wolves began positively through Paul Stirling and Tim Tector. Stirling struck six fours during his brisk 31 off 21 balls, while Tector added 12 from just seven deliveries.
However, Dublin hit back with quick wickets. Stirling departed in the sixth over, and Lorcan Tucker fell for a first-ball duck shortly afterwards. Devon Conway also struggled to get going, scoring nine from 12 balls, as the Wolves found themselves under pressure.
The innings changed when Mark Chapman and Glenn Maxwell came together at the crease. The pair produced a crucial 84-run partnership, rebuilding the innings before launching a powerful counterattack against the Dublin bowling.
Chapman led the recovery with a fluent 54 from 33 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes. Maxwell then provided the explosive finish, smashing 60 from 38 deliveries, including four sixes. Their partnership pushed Belfast beyond 150 and gave them a strong platform heading into the final overs.
Although Dublin picked up late wickets, Belfast finished with 184/7 from their 20 overs. Chris Wood was the most successful bowler with three wickets, while Josh Little claimed two. Ravichandran Ashwin delivered the most economical spell, taking 1/23 from his four overs.
Dublin Guardians Collapse in the Chase
Chasing 185, Dublin Guardians needed a strong start but immediately found themselves under pressure. Harry Tector was dismissed for a duck in the opening over, while Muhammad Waseem fell after scoring nine.
The Guardians continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Sanjay Krishnamurthi scored 13 from eight balls, but Daryl Mitchell managed only three. Vijay Shankar and wicketkeeper Ben Calitz also failed to build a partnership as Dublin slipped to 36/6.
Belfast’s bowlers remained disciplined throughout the innings. Mark Adair struck twice with the new ball, while Fred Klaassen also picked up two wickets. The bowling unit prevented Dublin from building the partnerships required to challenge the target.
George Dockrell offered some resistance with an aggressive 35 from 22 balls, including three sixes, while Chris Wood remained unbeaten on 25. However, the required run rate continued to climb, and the Guardians eventually finished on 132/9 from their 20 overs.
Matthew Humphreys returned impressive figures of 2/23, while Adair took 2/26. Klaassen also claimed 2/26, as Belfast Wolves completed a comprehensive 52-run victory.
Wolves Begin ETPL 2026 Campaign in Style
The victory gave Belfast Wolves a perfect start to their European T20 Premier League 2026 campaign. Their middle-order strength was on full display through Chapman and Maxwell, while the bowling attack delivered an equally convincing performance to defend 184.
For Dublin Guardians, the defeat will serve as an early setback in the tournament. Despite some positive individual contributions, their top-order collapse left them with too much work to do.
Belfast Wolves, meanwhile, will take plenty of confidence from a complete team performance as they look to build momentum in the inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League.
Match Summary
Match: Belfast Wolves vs Dublin Guardians, 2nd Match, ETPL 2026
Venue: Sportpark Duivesteijn, Voorburg
Date: August 27, 2026
Belfast Wolves: 184/7 (20 overs)
- Glenn Maxwell: 60 (38)
- Mark Chapman: 54 (33)
- Chris Wood: 3 wickets
- Josh Little: 2 wickets
Dublin Guardians: 132/9 (20 overs)
- George Dockrell: 35 (22)
- Chris Wood: 25* (22)
- Mark Adair: 2/26
- Fred Klaassen: 2/26
- Matthew Humphreys: 2/23
Result: Belfast Wolves won by 52 runs.