In the second T20I match of India’s tour of Ireland 2022, India beat Ireland by four runs at the Village in Dublin.
After winning the toss, Hardik Pandya opted to bat first. Opening batsman Sanju Samson (77), who made his comeback today, batted magnificently to score a half-century. Despite the fact that inform batsman Ishan Kishan was out early in the inning, India never looked in trouble. Deepak Hooda (104) smashed a century which helped India register a big total on board. The right-handed batsman hit nine fours and six sixes at the strike rate of 182.46. Hardik Pandya (13*) and Suryakumar Yadav (15) provided crucial late-innings contributions, propelling the men in blue to a mammoth total of 225/7 in 20 overs.
In the chase, Ireland started off wonderfully with their openers, Paul Stirling (40) and Andrew Balbirnie (60), putting up 72 runs for the first wicket partnership. After losing some wickets in the middle overs, Ireland was able to regain momentum thanks to George Dockrell (34) and Mark Adair (23). Both batsmen were hitting boundaries all over the place but in the end, only managed to reach 221/5.
For India in the bowling department, Umran Malik successfully restricted Ireland in the thrilling final over where 17 runs were needed to defend. Not to forget Malik also took a wicket in his quota of four overs. Along with him, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshal Patel, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar also scalped one wicket each in the second innings.
In the first inning, Mark Aldair took three wickets. Craig Young and Joshua Little each took two wickets alongside him.
Deepak Hooda was adjudged Man of the Match for his excellent century in the first innings. Following this win, India have clinched the T20I series by 2-0 against Ireland.
Scorecard:
India: 225/7, Overs 20, Deepak Hooda 104, Mark Adair 3/42
Ireland: 221/5, Overs 20, Andrew Balbirnie 60, Umran Malik 1/42