IRE vs IND 2023: Ireland vs India, 2nd T20I - Talking Points and Who Said What?

Team India won the second T20I against Ireland at the Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin, on Sunday, August 20. The Men in Blue won by 33 runs in the second T20I and in the process took an unassailable lead 2-0 in the three-match series.

Courtesy of invaluable knocks by Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, and explosive hitter Rinku Singh, team India posted a solid total of 185 runs. While there was some fightback from Andy Balbirnie during the chase, the early fall of wickets dented their chase which eventually helped team India clinch the series.

Talking Points from the 2nd T20I between Ireland and India:

Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad keep India steady

After the early dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma for 18 and one run, respectively, Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad steered the side to get back into a commanding position. The batting pair added 71 runs between them in just 49 deliveries to regain momentum. Samson scored 40 off 26 balls which included five fours and one six, whereas Gaikwad slammed 58 off 43 balls, which included six fours and a six.

Rinku Singh’s quickfire knock propels India to a competitive total

Following their dismissals, Rinku Singh took the onus to get the big runs as the explosive southpaw slammed 38 off 21 which featured three sixes and two boundaries at a stellar strike rate of 180.95. With this, Rinku steered his side to post a solid 185 runs in their 20 overs of the contest.

Early blows deflate Irish innings despite Andy Balbirnie’s special

The Men in Blue got the early wickets of skipper Paul Stirling and Lorcan Tucker, which reduced Ireland to 19/2, in just three overs. Despite the breakthroughs, opener Andy Balbirnie carved out a brutal knock as he hammered four maximums and five boundaries in his 72 off 51 balls. However, Ravi Bishnoi, Prasidh Krishna, and skipper Jasprit Bumrah got two wickets apiece to help team India win the contest by 33 runs and the series 2-0 with a match to spare.

Winning Captain Jasprit Bumrah said-

I am feeling good. Today was a little drier. We thought it would get slower and hence batted first. It is very pleasing. It is tiugh to pick an XI. Great headache to have. Everyone is eager. Everyone is confident. All of us wanted to play for India. Eventually, everyone has to work their way up. If you play with a baggage of expectation, you are under pressure. You have to keep those expectations aside.

Losing Captain Paul Stirling said-

We had chances. We didn't quite take it. We had positives for the entire 40 overs. I think we just let them get away in the last few overs. Their batters got going and were difficult to bowl to. We have areas to work on. We can turn it around and hopefully get a win.

Player of the Match Rinku Singh said-

I am feeling very good. I was trying to do what I have done in the IPL. I was very confident and tried to stay calm. I listen to the captain (smiles). I am feeling very nice. I have been playing for 10 years. All my efforts have born fruition. I am happy to get the Man of the Match award in my first game.