IRE vs IND 2nd T20I: Match Prediction, Playing XI, Injury Updates, Pitch Report

After a thrilling win for the home side in the series opener, Ireland will take on India in the second and final T20I on Sunday, June 28, at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Stormont, Belfast.

Ireland made a dream start to the series by beating the reigning T20 World Cup champions comfortably in the opening game. This was really a landmark result for the Irish side as it marked their first-ever victory over India in international cricket. They will now be eager to follow it up and seal the series with another win.

India, meanwhile, looked far from their best and hardly played like world champions. Apart from Abhishek Sharma’s quick-fire 50 off 20 balls, none of the batters managed to settle in. The top-order collapse could force Shreyas Iyer into making changes, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in line for a debut in a must-win game that could help India avoid an embarrassing series defeat.

IRE vs IND 2nd T20I: Match Overview

Team News

Apart from the possible change at the top, India are also expected to make a few changes to their bowling attack and lower order. Prince Yadav could come in for Prasidh Krishna after the pacer struggled to find control in the first game, while Suryansh Shedge is likely to replace Washington Sundar and add more power with the bat down the order.

Washington was always a risky pick considering Ireland do not have many left-handed batters and there was no place for him in India’s top five. Most of his runs for Gujarat Titans came while batting at No. 4. If Suryansh Shedge is available in time, he could take Washington’s place in the XI. Another option could be handing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his much-awaited international debut, which would push the rest of the batting order down by one spot.

Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma are likely to continue at No. 4 and No. 5 respectively, while also carrying on as captain and vice-captain. Shivam Dube is expected to keep his middle-order place. Axar Patel remains India’s main spin option, while Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh are likely to lead the pace attack alongside Prince Yadav.

Ireland could stick with the same XI after a memorable victory in the series opener. Lorcan Tucker led from the front, while debutants Matt Hollard and Jai Moondra impressed with the ball. With confidence high and no fresh injury concerns emerging from the first game, the hosts are unlikely to make any changes.

Injury Updates

Ireland continue to be severely depleted by injuries. Paul Stirling, Josh Little, Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Barry McCarthy and Jordan Neill all remain unavailable for the series.

India also have injury concerns, with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out due to a quadriceps injury and replaced by Suryansh Shedge, while leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy missed the tour because of a persistent foot injury. No fresh injuries were reported after the first T20I.

IRE vs IND: Head-to-Head (T20Is)

Pitch Report: Civil Service Cricket Club

The Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast is known for its short boundaries and a surface that offers something for both teams. Batting tends to be easier in the first innings, and there is usually very little help for the spinners.

The fast bowlers, however, can enjoy success by hitting good lengths because the bounce at this venue is generally on the lower side. The pitch is also expected to slow down as the match goes on, which could encourage the captain winning the toss to bat first.

Toss Prediction

The team winning the toss is likely to bat first. The Belfast surface generally offers the best conditions for batting in the first innings before slowing down later in the match.

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IRE vs IND 2nd T20I: Match Prediction

India will head into the second T20I against Ireland as favourites to win. They still enjoy a strong record against Ireland, which could give them confidence of bouncing back in the series. The side has players like Ishan Kishan, who has made 1328 runs in 45 innings at an average of 30.18, and Axar Patel, who has picked up 97 wickets in 88 innings at an average of 21.42.

Ireland, however, will still believe they can finish the series on a high. With home conditions in their favour, they will be keen to pull off another surprise against the world champions. The hosts have players such as Lorcan Tucker, who has scored 1730 runs in 85 innings at an average of 22.76, and Matthew Humphreys, who has taken 25 wickets in 18 innings at an average of 18.56.

Yet, India are expected to bounce back in the second T20I as their overall experience, stronger squad depth and superior record against Ireland give them the edge heading into this contest.
Cricbites prediction: India will win this match

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IRE vs IND 2nd T20I: Predicted Playing XI

• Ireland Predicted Playing XI: Lorcan Tucker (C & WK), Harry Tector, Ben Calitz, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Liam McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Jai Moondra, Matt Hollard, Tim Tector, Ross Adair
• India Predicted Playing XI: Shreyas Iyer (C), Ishan Kishan (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson/Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna

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