India vs Ireland T20
In the second T20 International between India and Ireland held on August 20, India exhibited a dominant performance with both their batting and bowling, securing a 33-run victory and sealing a 2-0 series lead over Ireland. After India posted a competitive total of 185/5 while batting first, Ireland faced a challenging target and managed to reach 152/8, despite Andrew Balbirnie’s notable innings of 72 runs off 51 balls.
Ruturaj Gaikwad played a pivotal role in India’s batting charge, scoring 58 runs from 43 balls with six boundaries and one six. Sanju Samson contributed 40 runs off 26 balls, including five fours and a six, while Rinku Singh’s quick 38 off 21 balls, featuring two fours and three sixes, further bolstered India’s innings.
The Indian bowlers delivered a collective effort, led by captain Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Ravi Bishnoi. Together, they claimed six wickets, disrupting Ireland’s chase. Prasidh Krishna’s early double strike removed Irish captain Paul Stirling and Lorcan Tucker, reducing the hosts to 19/2. Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi added to Ireland’s woes by dismissing Harry Tector, leaving them at 31/3 at the end of the Power Play.
Despite Andrew Balbirnie’s valiant innings, Ireland struggled to maintain a high asking rate, which often exceeded 12 runs per over. Balbirnie’s dismissal marked a turning point, and India’s bowlers continued to maintain their grip on the game. Mark Adair’s late efforts were not enough to turn the tide in Ireland’s favor.
In the batting department, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brisk start was cut short, while Tilak Varma’s dismissal added to India’s initial challenges. However, a steady partnership between Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad helped India stabilize. Samson’s aggressive knock was highlighted by a burst of boundaries against pacer Josh Little. Gaikwad’s resilient innings contributed to India’s momentum-building efforts.
Later in the innings, Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube showcased their power-hitting abilities, with Rinku smashing two sixes and a four in Barry McCarthy’s over and Dube joining the aggressive onslaught in the final over. India’s score of 185/5 set a challenging target for Ireland to chase.
The match underscored India’s all-around prowess, as their batsmen and bowlers worked in harmony to secure a convincing victory and a series win over Ireland in the T20I series.