Andrew Balbirnie knock in vain as Ireland lose to India

A week after the birth of his child, Luke, opening batsman Andrew Balbirnie hammered 72 off 51 balls. His innings, however, could not save Ireland from defeat to India in the second T20 International in Malahide near Dublin.

India won by 33 runs. The visitors had made 185/5 in 20 overs, riding on a half-century from opener Ruturaj Gaikwad (58 off 43 balls) and a quickfire 38 off 21 balls by Rinku Singh. Sanju Samson scored 40 off 26 balls.

Barry McCarthy took 2/36 in four overs to emerge as the most successful bowler.

The total was quite challenging even though the pitch was batting-friendly. Ireland began well but lost two wickets in the third over with Paul Sterling (0) and Lorcan Tucker (0) falling in the first over bowled by Prasidh Krishna.

Harry Tector was bowled by a googly from Ravi Bishnoi.

Balbirnie (in pic) then stitched partnerships with Harry Tector (18) and George Dockrell (13) before getting dismissed while trying to chase a wide delivery from Arshdeep Singh.

At the time of his dismissal, the equation was heavily skewed in favour of India as the Irish needed over 13 an over.

Mark Adair tried his best to get close to the Indian total but with not much support at the other end, it was a tough task. Ireland fell well short of target to go 0-2 behind in the three-match series.

Rinku Singh was the Man of the Match.

Brief scores: India 185/5 in 20 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 58, Sanju Samson 40, Rinku Singh 38) beat Ireland 152/8 in 20 overs (Andrew Balbirnie 72, Mark Adair 23, Jasprit Bumrah 2/15, Prasidh Krishna 2/29, Ravi Bishnoi 2/37)

cricket, India vs Ireland, Ind vs Ire, T20, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson, Andrew Balbirnie