India’s star-studded top order will be under pressure to make amends as Shreyas Iyer’s team looks to even the series following a stunning loss in the first match when they take the field in the second and final Twenty20 International (T20I) in Belfast on Sunday.
Ireland stunned India by 34 runs in their first game since winning the T20 World Cup, giving the defending champions one of their biggest upsets. In international cricket, this was Ireland’s first victory over India.
Iyer’s maiden assignment as India’s T20 captain and his comeback to T20Is after 963 days were not what he had hoped for.
Iyer, who has taken over for India’s T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav, will be keen to end their short Ireland visit with a victory when they open a five-match series against England at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday. India’s batting failure in the first game was the main cause for concern.
Three months ago, Sanju Samson, India’s World Cup hero, was dismissed after only four balls, making it debutant Jai Moondra’s first international wicket. As India got into early problems, Iyer and Ishan Kishan also dropped for single-digit scores on the powerplay.
Abhishek Sharma continued in his typical explosive style at the other end, hitting the ball cleanly at the top, but there was no help from the other end. India’s chase was thwarted after his dismissal in the powerplay.
Moondra and Matt Hollard, Ireland’s two debutant pacers, expertly exposed India’s top order. Hollard finished with three wickets after dismissing Kishan and Iyer, while Moondra bowled Samson with his debut international cricket delivery.
Tilak Varma, Washington, and Shivam Dube were unable to consolidate due to increasing run-rate pressure. Thus, how India’s batters handle the inexperienced but self-assured Irish speed combo once more could determine the fate of the second match.
After one defeat, the team’s management is unlikely to panic. After one loss, India is unlikely to change the top order, therefore teen star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who many had expected to make his international debut in the first match, is likely to stay on the sidelines once more. Samson might be moved down the order at Washington’s cost in order to make room for the left-hander.
In contrast, the bowling unit had a number of positives. After being out for four months due to a knee injury, Harshit Rana made a remarkable recovery, employing his variations wisely to return results of 3/24. Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh both bowled impressively, particularly in the closing stages.
However, India had few choices in the final overs because of Iyer’s choice to front-load his pace attack. Before Prasidh Krishna had another forgettable performance, giving up 27 in the 17th over and finished with 0/57, Washington let up 19 runs in the 16th over.
Ireland was able to add perhaps 20–30 vital runs during those costly overs, which ultimately proved to be decisive.
In contrast, captain Lorcan Tucker’s calm half-century was the cornerstone of Ireland’s innings. The hosts scored a challenging 182 thanks to Gareth Delany’s 49 off 32 and Tucker’s stunning acceleration to reach his fifty off 35 deliveries after plodding to five off his first 11 balls.
Ireland will be full of confidence after making history with their first international victory over India.
However, in order to avoid losing the series and regain momentum prior to the England assignment, India will have little alternative but to put on a much more comprehensive effort.
India vs Ireland Head-to-Head:
In nine T20 International matches between India and Ireland, India have won 8 games, while losing the last match, which was Ireland’s first victory against India in any format.
India vs Ireland Pitch Report:
The pitch typically provides a fair game between the ball and the bat. Under cloudy conditions, fast bowlers might receive some assistance early, but batting gets easier as the innings goes on. In the last five finished Twenty20 Internationals, the average first-innings score was 157. While chasing teams have won 15 of the 26 Twenty20 Internationals played at the site, teams will aim for 165-170.
India vs Ireland Weather Report:
Belfast’s weather is predicted to stay cloudy and to be between 14°C and 16°C. Light southwesterly winds may help the seamers, and the humidity will be about 75%. A full 20-over match is anticipated, albeit there is a small probability of light drizzle.
India vs Ireland Probable XIs:
India: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi/Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna
Ireland: Ross Adair, Stephen Doheny, Lorcan Tucker (C & WK), Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Liam McCarthy, Gavin Hoey, Reuben Wilson
FAQs:
When is the 2nd T20I between India and Ireland scheduled?
The 2nd T20I between India and Ireland is scheduled on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
What time does the 2nd T20I between India and Ireland scheduled to start?
The 2nd T20I between India and Ireland will start at 6:00 PM IST.
Where is the 2nd T20I between India and Ireland scheduled to take place?
The 2nd T20I between India and Ireland is scheduled to be played at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast.
Which TV channel will broadcast the 2nd T20I between India and Ireland?
The 2nd T20I between India and Ireland will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network.
Where can one catch the live streaming of the 2nd T20I between India and Ireland?
The live streaming of the 2nd T20I between India and Ireland will be available on Sony LIV app and website.
