India Clinches T20 Series with 33-Run Victory Over Ireland
Ireland faced consecutive defeats in the T20 series against India, as they were defeated by a margin of 33 runs in Dublin on Sunday.
Chasing a formidable target of 186 at Malahide, the hosts fell short despite Andy Balbirnie’s impressive 72 runs off 51 balls. This loss secures India’s unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson provided a strong foundation for the visiting team, establishing a 71-run partnership. However, Ben White dismissed Samson for a brisk 40 off 26 balls, and Barry McCarthy secured his second wicket by removing Gaikwad for a solid 58 off 43 balls.
Although losing key batsmen, Rinku Singh (38) and Shivam Dube (22 not out) accelerated the scoring, contributing to a rapid 55 off 28 balls. On the penultimate ball of the innings, Craig Young caught Singh off Mark Adair, concluding India’s innings at 185-5. Ireland’s beginning was shaky, with Prasidh Krishna claiming the early wickets of captain Paul Stirling and Lorcan Tucker, both departing without scoring. Harry Tector followed suit shortly after, managing only seven runs.
Balbirnie played a pivotal role in Ireland’s scoring, forming a valuable partnership with George Dockerell, who added 35 runs to the board in a 52-run alliance. In the 16th over, Arshdeep Singh dismissed Balbirnie, caught by Samson. Mark Adair’s contribution of 23 runs from 15 balls took Ireland’s total to 152-8.
The third and final T20 match is scheduled for Wednesday.
