Cricket in Ireland has read like poetry and sometimes chaotic, often broken, but always with honest passion. This summer has been no exception. Irish spectators have stood in the rain, have sung their songs, and have cheered every flick, pull, and cover drive. They’ve felt pain, they’ve celebrated moments of magic, and now they sit at the terminal of this T20I narrative.

On the 21st of September 2025, The Village, Malahide, will become a coliseum of dreams. Going into the final match, Ireland trails the series 0-1 after the opening match slipped away, managing to post 196 before the second game was drowned before it began. For the hosts, this is not just another game; it is a chance to show that they can dethrone one of the finest modern teams in cricket history. For England, it is about finishing a summer tour in style; it’s about exerting control before preparing for the Ashes.

Like a cricket powerplay, this bonus is set up to create early momentum. So, whether you’re with England’s battering ram or whether you are with Ireland’s resilient underdog spirit, Stake will never make the game stop when stumps are called. Sign up, back, spin, and sit back to enjoy the action, and off the field as well.

Ireland's cricketing story is generally one of fighting against the odds. They're not endowed with the financial clout or canvas of the heavyweights, but they compensate in determination, enthusiasm, and an unwavering will.

In the first T20I, Ireland's batting finally created some sparks. Harry Tector, at just 25 years of age, is now shaping up to be Ireland's next batting star. His 61 off 36 balls, not big-hitting but destructive batting instead, was sensible and devastating. He picked his moments, capitalised on wayward bowling, and played the role of anchor batsman like an old pro. His partner, Lorcan Tucker, was the fireworks and a confident 55, including four massive sixes, each one sending Malahide into a frenzy.

Captain Paul Stirling still remains the heart and soul of this side. His 34 in the first game gave a timely reminder that he can still take his team forward. Having said that, he knows he needs to come up with an innings of significance if Ireland is to beat England. This is his home context; this is his battleground.

The issue for Ireland lies with their bowling. Graham Hume was solid, grabbing a couple of wickets, but didn't get quite enough support. Matthew Humphreys, the young and talented left-arm spinner, looked promising in parts but has seamers like Craig Young and Barry McCarthy who have to back him up. If Ireland wants to create a storybook ending, their bowlers will need to take early wickets and put Salt and Buttler down before they get themselves settled. 

• Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, Barry McCarthy, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, and Craig Young. 

England arrived in Dublin like experienced warriors. They have seen it all—World Cups, Ashes, last-ball drama—and yet, every series feels like yet another series to flex their strength in depth.

• Phil Salt is the name on everyone's lips. His 89 from 46 balls in game one was not just an innings; it was a demolition job. He attacked the Irish bowlers with a clarity that spoke volumes. Salt is not just about runs; he sets the mood and sets the tone. 

• At the top of the England batting order will be Jos Buttler, the master of measured aggression. Buttler's quick 28 in the first match helped Salt launch into an explosive innings. These two are one of the most dangerous opening pairs in world cricket.

• But England's strength does not stop at the top. The middle order of Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, and Jamie Overton is a middle order designed to destroy. In particular, Curran can be a match-winner with the bat and the ball in a few overs.

Then, there is the bowling attack, comprising aspects of guile and fire. Adil Rashid has been England's front-line spin option for years and is complemented by Liam Dawson for control, and then you also have Luke Wood, who provides a quicker pace, and Jamie Overton, who adds more fire to the pace attack. With the depth to the batting lineup, England will also have a smart bowling attack.

• Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell (c), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood 

After the disappointment of relentless rain up until the tea break in the second T20I, the forecast looks much improved. Sunday is set to be clear blue skies and temperatures of approximately 13°C. While it is chilly, it will be dry enough for a full day's play.

Typically, The Village's pitch is a haven for batsmen, but recent rainfall may introduce some unpredictability early on. I'm expecting seamers to swing the ball in the overcast elements, but after the surface deteriorates and the ball loses its hardness, the runs will come. However, I think that something in the region of a par score of 200 is likely, meaning that the toss will be a factor. Both captains will want to bowl first and then feel confident about their batting order chasing under lights.

Although they share a similar record, England has been the better team for several years. Ireland's only win was a long time ago, and there is still a gap in experience between the two sides. For Ireland, however, a victory in this match would be symbolic of the fact that they can play with the best on their day.

This series finale is not about England and Ireland only. For the English side, it marks the last run before the announcement of the Ashes squad. A big performance, particularly from fringe players such as Salt or Overton, may book their flights to Australia.

For Ireland, it is about momentum. A win will illuminate their cricketing calendar, increase player belief, and provide the home fans something to cheer about after a season shortened by rain.

The Village is ready. The fans are ready. The players are ready. Sunday will either be one-sided and full of English dominance or a dramatic turn of events that shakes the cricketing world.