Ireland (IRE) are set to face India (IND) in a high-stakes 2nd T20I of the series on June 28, 2026. After a frustrating start to the series—including a 34-run defeat in the opening game—India is desperate to secure a win and level the two-match series.
Under the tactical guidance of their leadership group, the visiting side is looking to bounce back strongly at the Stormont Cricket Ground. Meanwhile, the hosts, led by Lorcan Tucker, arrive with immense momentum following their historic first-ever T20I victory over India.
Ireland has shown incredible grit and will be eager to maintain their edge to secure a landmark series win. With both teams featuring a blend of experienced campaigners and explosive young talents, this encounter promises to be a strategic chess match on one of Northern Ireland’s iconic cricket grounds.
Match Details & Live Streaming
- Venue: Stormont Cricket Ground, Belfast
- Date & Time: Sunday, June 28, 2026, 6:00 PM (IST)
- Live Broadcasting & Streaming: SonyLIV / Sony Sports Network
IRE vs IND: Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 9
- Won by Ireland: 1
- Won by India: 8
Pitch Report
The pitch at the Stormont Cricket Ground offers a competitive balance between bat and ball. Historically, the new ball provides noticeable movement and true bounce for the fast bowlers under overcast skies.
As the game progresses, batsmen can accumulate runs efficiently if they adapt to the conditions, though accurate lengths remain difficult to exploit due to standard boundary dimensions. The average first-innings score at this venue ranges between 160–175.
Weather variables frequently influence play in Belfast, occasionally causing a slightly damp surface early in the match. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first is generally considered the preferred option to exploit early atmospheric assistance.
Team Analysis
Ireland:
Ireland looks highly confident under captain Lorcan Tucker. Their batting unit showed excellent discipline in the first fixture, with Tucker leading from the front with a half-century. Middle-order contributions from Gareth Delany and George Dockrell provide depth and crucial acceleration late in the innings.
Their bowling department was their greatest asset in the previous encounter, headlined by Matthew Hollard and Jai Moondra, who delivered exceptional spells on debut. The hosts’ collective ability to maintain pressure and defend targets gives them a solid psychological advantage.
India:
India is working rapidly to find the right team balance under skipper Shreyas Iyer. The batting relies on the explosive starts of Abhishek Sharma, who scored a quick-fire 50 in the opening game, along with the stability of Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson.
On the bowling front, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana spearhead the pace attack effectively, while Axar Patel manages the spin responsibilities. India’s primary objective will be addressing middle-order consistency to ensure they do not lose momentum during run chases.
Match Prediction
While Ireland possesses the home advantage and considerable momentum, India enters the fixture with substantial international experience and motivation to save the series. The visitors have a deeply balanced lineup capable of rebounding from their previous errors.
If the Indian top order can manage the early movement from the Irish pacers, they remain strong contenders to post or chase a winning total. Statistics and overall squad depth indicate a slight advantage for the visitors to bounce back.
Prediction: India likely to win
IRE vs IND: Predicted Playing XI
Ireland (IRE): Ross Adair, Lorcan Tucker (c & wk), Harry Tector, Stephen Doheny, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Tim Tector, Matthew Humphreys, Liam McCarthy, Gavin Hoey, Reuben Wilson.
India (IND): Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna.
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