IRE vs IND: We can beat India if we play better, says Ireland’s Andrew Balbirnie after T20I series defeat

Ireland’s Andrew Balbirnie believes that his team has the ability to challenge India after losing the three-match T20I series with a match to spare. India secured a 33-run win over Ireland at Malahide, Dublin on Sunday, August 20.

While heaping praise on India’s bowling attack, Balbirnie remarked: “They are a highly skilled bowling unit. Kind of disappointed. We are playing good cricket. Hopefully can put a better show in the last game. Guys trying to hit it off the first ball. Hopefully, we can get over the line on Wednesday (3rd T20I). We feel we can beat them if we play better.”

IRE v IND 2nd T20I Highlights

Ireland’s 186-run chase was plagued by early setbacks, losing skipper Paul Stirling without contributing any runs. Prasidh Krishna and Ravi Bishnoi wreaked havoc, leaving Ireland struggling at 63 for 4. Balbirnie’s valiant 72-run effort kept Ireland’s hopes alive, but Arshdeep Singh’s achievement of claiming his 50th T20I wicket ultimately dashed their aspirations.

India’s disciplined bowling attack restricted Ireland to 152 for 8, sealing India’s series victory with a match to spare. The combined efforts of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, and the Indian bowling contingent highlighted their supremacy in the contest, compelling Ireland to regroup before the series finale on August 23.

Earlier, Ruturaj Gaikwad Gaikwad, showcasing his finesse, secured his second T20I half-century, while Rinku Singh’s explosive showing during the crucial final overs boosted India’s innings to an imposing total of 185 runs with the loss of five wickets. Their exceptional contributions were pivotal in continuing India’s momentum from the rain-affected series opener, which they claimed through the DLS method.

The Indian innings kickstarted with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive approach, accumulating 18 runs from just 11 deliveries, inclusive of two boundaries and a six. However, his dismissal at the hands of Craig Young temporarily slowed India’s progress. Tilak Varma’s struggles at the crease continued, as he fell victim to a well-timed catch by George Dockrell off Barry McCarthy.

In a crucial partnership that stabilized India’s innings, Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad combined for a resilient 71-run alliance for the third wicket. Samson contributed a composed 40 runs, while Gaikwad anchored the innings with a calculated 58 runs, reaching his fifty through a powerful pull shot. The final overs saw Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube taking charge, propelling India to an imposing total which made the difference in the result.