By Tim Douglas 
Cox makes his mark
After months of waiting for a chance to prove himself in international cricket, Jordan Cox delivered a breakthrough innings that England fans had been hoping for. The 24-year-old struck a fluent 55 off 35 balls, guiding England to a comfortable six-wicket victory in the third T20I at Malahide.
It was not only a personal milestone for Cox but also a decisive knock that secured the 2-0 series win for England after Friday’s washout had denied him an earlier opportunity.
England’s spinners choke Ireland
Ireland were restricted to 154/8 after opting to bat. Their innings never quite found momentum, thanks to England’s spin trio.
- Adil Rashid (3/29) showcased his mastery once again, removing Calitz, McCarthy, and Humphreys.
- Liam Dawson (2/9) was equally effective, dismissing Paul Stirling and Harry Tector to peg Ireland back in the Powerplay.
- Rehan Ahmed (1/24) chipped in by dismissing Ross Adair after a brisk cameo of 33.
Jamie Overton also impressed with figures of 2/17, ensuring that Ireland could not push beyond a par score. Gareth Delany’s fighting 48 not out off 29 added late spark, but it wasn’t enough.
Cox leads composed chase
Chasing 155, England lost Jos Buttler early to a stunning catch by Curtis Campher. But Cox, coming in at No. 4, ensured there were no nerves. His innings included four fours and four sixes, blending clean power with composure.
He built vital partnerships with Phil Salt (29) and Tom Banton (37 not out), removing any pressure from the chase. Even after Cox’s dismissal, Banton calmly finished the job with 17 balls to spare, steering England to 155/4 in 17.1 overs.
England’s positives and concerns
While Cox’s innings and the spinners’ control were major positives, Sonny Baker’s struggles continued. The young pacer went wicketless, conceding 52 runs in his four overs, adding to concerns after a costly ODI debut earlier this month.
Still, England will be satisfied with the depth shown in the batting lineup and the effectiveness of their spin strategy, a template that could prove vital ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
Brief Scores
Ireland: 154/8 in 20 overs (Gareth Delany 48*, Ross Adair 33; Adil Rashid 3/29, Liam Dawson 2/9, Jamie Overton 2/17)
England: 155/4 in 17.1 overs (Jordan Cox 55, Tom Banton 37*; Ben White 1/40, Barry McCarthy 1/22)
Result: England won by 6 wickets (with 17 balls remaining)
Series Result: England win 2-0
Player of the Match: Jordan Cox (55 off 35)