England were handed a modest chase of 155 to complete a T20 series win over Ireland, but it was another difficult day for rookie seamer Sonny Baker. Adil Rashid took three wickets and Jamie Overton two for 17 in a hostile spell as the hosts finished on 154 for eight in Malahide.

There was more punishment for 22-year-old Baker, who sent down four wicketless overs for 52 on his 20-over debut. Less than three weeks ago, he recorded the most expensive ODI analysis by an England debutant, returning nought for 76 in seven overs against South Africa. Baker was handed the new ball after England won the toss and given an immediate chance to banish memories of his disappointing spell at Headingley. After beating Paul Stirling with his first two balls, however, he struggled to maintain the upper hand.

Ross Adair clubbed three fours and a booming straight six during his initial two-over burst, which cost 24 runs. When Baker returned at the death, it was more of the same. Gareth Delany dished out the punishment on his way to a much-needed 48 not out.

Runs were harder to come by elsewhere, with the rest of the attack taking a combined eight wickets for 102 runs. Luke Wood started well, and Liam Dawson got Stirling with a thin edge off his second delivery. Ireland exited the powerplay on 46 for one but dug themselves into a hole over the next five overs, managing just two boundaries and losing three more wickets as they tried to hit their way out of trouble.

Adair (33) did not last long, slog-sweeping Rehan Ahmed into the deep, and neither Lorcan Tucker nor Curtis Campher had the power to clear the ropes off Overton. At halfway, Ireland were well short of par on an underpowered 62 for four.

Rashid then went on a wicket-taking spree to drag Ireland further into the mire. He had debutant Ben Calitz caught by captain Jacob Bethell for 22, pinned Barry McCarthy lbw with a first-ball googly, and completed his haul when Matthew Humphreys dragged a catch to Jordan Cox at long leg. Cox hurt himself in the process, limping off the field, but Ireland’s pain was somewhat relieved by a late blast from Delany.

Delany’s late surge came mostly at Baker’s expense, with back-to-back sixes sent into one of the temporary stands on the leg side, and 10 runs coming off the final over as the Hampshire prospect strove in vain for his first wicket.

Having chased down 197 with relative ease in the series opener, England will fancy their chances of a comfortable chase in this match.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/england-facing-modest-chase-of-155-to-clinch-t20-series-win-over-ireland-1809443.html