Persistent rain in Dublin forced the abandonment of the second T20I between Ireland and England at Malahide without a ball being bowled. Heavy overnight showers left large patches of the outfield waterlogged, and despite a planned 1.30pm inspection, the umpires pushed it back repeatedly before officially calling off the game at 3.47pm.
The cancellation proved disappointing for fans, with more than 4,000 spectators expected at the sold-out venue. For Ireland, it was another blow in a rain-affected summer. Following three washed-out fixtures against West Indies, they have now seen four of their eight home internationals this season ruined by weather. The only positive is that the forecast for Sunday’s final T20I appears more favorable.
Cricket Ireland chair Brian MacNeice confirmed that insurance would ease the financial hit. “We have a policy that covers it,” he explained, adding that the only long-term consequence could be higher premiums in future. He also addressed the decision to play the series in September, noting that even midsummer scheduling cannot guarantee perfect weather in Ireland.
England had planned squad rotation for the second game, with Sonny Baker and Jordan Cox likely to debut. However, the washout denied them the chance. One player ruled out completely is Scott Currie, released to represent Hampshire in Saturday’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup final at Trent Bridge.
The series opener on Wednesday saw England secure a 1-0 lead after chasing 197 with 14 balls remaining, thanks to Phil Salt’s sparkling 89. That victory gave Jacob Bethell a winning start to his short stint as stand-in captain, filling in for the rested Harry Brook. The teams will now hope the Dublin skies clear for Sunday’s decider.
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