Indian team warmed up very well for the England series win a thumping 143 runs win over Ireland in the 2nd T20I played at Malahide, Dublin just a few moments ago. Ireland captain Gary Wilson won the toss and decided to field first. It was a great batting display by the Indian team to post a massive total. Chasing the target, Ireland were bowled out cheaply.
Ireland captain Gary Wilson won the toss and decided to field first. The Indian team decided to test the bench strength. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul gave the team a flying start adding 22 runs in 2.4 overs. Virat Kohli was dismissed for 9 runs by Peter Chase. KL Rahul and Suresh Raina steadied the innings with positive stroke play.
India scored 57 for 1 at the end of 6 overs. KL Rahul looked in tremendous touch and continued his brilliant form and along with Suresh Raina smashed the Ireland bowlers. KL Rahul reached 50 off 28 balls. KL Rahul showed his class and was dismissed for 70 off 36 balls. Suresh Raina and KL Rahul added 106 runs for the 2nd wicket.
Kevin O Brien dismissed KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma in the same over to peg India back. Suresh Raina reached his half-century off 34 balls. Manish Pandey struggled to time the ball. Raina was dismissed by Kevin O Brien for well made 69 off 45 balls.
Manish Pandey remained not out on 21 off 20 balls. Hardik Pandya came to the crease and smashed a quick fire 32 off 9 balls to help Team India post a massive total of 213 for 4 in 20 overs.
Chasing 214 runs to win, Umesh Yadav dismissed Paul Stirling on the 2nd ball of innings. Umesh Yadav struck again dismissing William Porterfield for 14. Siddarth Kaul got his first T20I wicket dismissing James Shannon. At the end of 6 overs, Ireland scored 30 for 4.
Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav continued the brilliant form that they displayed in the first T20I. It was a brilliant bowling display by the Indian bowlers to dismiss Ireland for 70 in 12.3 overs. For India, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav picked 3 wickets each. It is India’s biggest victory in T20Is.
India 213 for 4 in 20 overs ( KL Rahul 70, Suresh Raina 69, Hardik Pandya 32*, Kevin O Brien 3/40) beat
Ireland 70 in 12.3 overs ( Gary Wilson 15, William Porterfield 14, Kuldeep Yadav 3/16, Yuzvendra Chahal 3/21, Umesh Yadav 2/19) by 143 runs.
Ireland captain Gary Wilson said: Very disappointing to lose in such way. We bowled well but Hardik Pandya scored vital runs in the final over. The batsmen could not apply. There are plenty of lessons to be learnt from both and ball.
Indian captain Virat Kohli said: It was a perfect game. We wanted to test bench strength ahead of the big series against England. Umesh Yadav, Siddarth Kaul, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep did a brilliant job with the ball. KL Rahul and Suresh Raina played with the bat. Hardik Pandya contributed to getting past us to above 200.
Man of the Match KL Rahul said: Happy to get among the runs. The pitch was good to bat on. I wanted to continue the good form that I displayed in IPL 11. Hope to get chances against England in the upcoming T20I series. We are looking forward to the challenge and this tour will test our character.
Man of the series Yuzvendra Chahal: Great way to start the series. I am happy to contribute to the team in a big manner and hope to continue the same form in upcoming T20I series against England. England is a much stronger team and with the way they are playing, we need to play aggressive cricket.
India will play the first match of T20I series against England on 3rd July.
