Dublin Guardians Celebrate First ETPL Victory at Home Against Belfast Wolves

In a thrilling match at Malahide, the Dublin Guardians finally clinched their first victory in the European T20 Premier League by defeating the Belfast Wolves. Craig Young's remarkable five-wicket haul was pivotal in restricting Belfast to just 107 runs. The Guardians chased down the target with confidence, led by David Willey's impressive 44 runs. This win not only boosts their morale but also marks a fresh start for the team in their home leg. With a positive team spirit and a strong performance, the Guardians are hopeful for a successful run ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 10, 2026, 12:46 IST

ETPL Moves to Malahide for Exciting Showdown

Following 17 thrilling matches in Voorburg, the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) has now shifted to Malahide, marking the start of its Irish phase. The initial leg was filled with memorable performances and intense rivalries, and the Dublin Guardians faced off against the Belfast Wolves in a highly anticipated match.

A Historic Night for Dublin Guardians

This match was a significant milestone for the Guardians, who had yet to secure a win in the opening leg. In front of a supportive home crowd at Malahide, they finally achieved their first victory. Craig Young, a local bowler, was instrumental in this success, delivering an outstanding five-wicket haul that helped dismiss Belfast for just 107 runs. His impressive figures of 5 for 21 set the stage for Dublin to chase down the target comfortably.

Young's Key Contributions

Young's pivotal performance included taking three wickets in a crucial 10th over, which disrupted Belfast's momentum. He expressed optimism about the Guardians' future, stating that this win could serve as a springboard for further success. Young remarked, "It would be great for us now that we have got that first win out of the way. Hopefully, that will push us on, showing that what we have been doing has been good enough, but just not quite good enough to get the wins."

Team Spirit Shines Through

David Willey also highlighted the positive atmosphere within the Guardians' camp following their first win. He emphasized the importance of enjoying the game, especially during challenging times. Willey noted, "When we first started playing the game, it was enjoyment. And generally, you play your best cricket when you are having fun as well." He praised the team's camaraderie, stating, "The team spirit is really good, and we are enjoying each other's success out there today."

Match Summary

Dublin's bowlers set a strong tone for the match, with Young leading the charge. The Wolves struggled to form partnerships and were ultimately restricted to 107 runs in 19.4 overs. In response, Dublin's chase was confident, with Willey scoring 44 runs off 25 balls and Daryl Mitchell contributing an unbeaten 35. The Guardians reached 111 for 2 in just 14.3 overs, securing an eight-wicket victory with 33 balls to spare. This win not only marked their first in the ETPL but also signified a fresh start for the team in their home leg.