McMullen all-round brilliance carries Rockers past Guardians in Dublin

Dublin, 11 September 2026: Brandon McMullen produced a decisive all-round performance as Edinburgh Castle Rockers defeated Dublin Guardians by 12 runs in the European T20 Premier League at Malahide on Friday.

McMullen struck an unbeaten 69 from 49 balls before claiming two wickets for 11 runs and taking two catches as the Rockers successfully defended 174 for four.

Asked to bat after Dublin won the toss, Edinburgh made the worst possible start when Ross Adair fell to David Willey from the first ball of the match. JJ Smuts briefly counter-attacked with nine from seven balls, but Craig Young removed him to leave the Rockers 30 for two.

Andries Gous and McMullen then rebuilt the innings with a crucial third-wicket partnership. Gous reached his half-century from 39 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes, while McMullen increased the tempo at the other end.

Gous departed for 50 from 40 deliveries, but McMullen continued to drive Edinburgh towards a competitive total. His unbeaten innings contained five fours and four sixes, while captain Mitchell Santner provided late momentum with 27 not out from only 15 balls.

Young was Dublin’s most successful bowler with three for 42, while Ravichandran Ashwin conceded just 17 runs from his four overs.

Chasing 175, Dublin made a positive start despite losing James Vince for 17. Willey struck four sixes in his 33 from 30 balls before Jack Jarvis removed him with the score on 67.

Harry Tector kept the Guardians in contention, scoring 45 from 29 deliveries, but the chase began to lose momentum as Edinburgh regularly struck through the middle and closing overs.

McMullen removed Ben Calitz and then dismissed Tector in the 17th over, leaving Dublin needing a difficult late recovery. George Dockrell briefly threatened with 19 from 10 balls, but Tom Curran removed him in the final over.

Jarvis finished as Edinburgh’s leading wicket-taker with four for 34, including the wickets of Vince, Willey, Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Ashwin.

Dublin eventually closed on 162 for eight, 12 runs short of their target, as Edinburgh completed a controlled defence and collected two points.

Scores in brief:

Edinburgh Castle Rockers 174-4 (Brandon McMullen 69*, Andries Gous 50, Mitchell Santner 27*; Craig Young 3-42) beat Dublin Guardians 162-8 (Harry Tector 45, David Willey 33; Jack Jarvis 4-34, McMullen 2-11, Tom Curran 2-32) by 12 runs

Player of the match - Brandon McMullen (Edinburgh Castle Rockers)