Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
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| Photo credit: Ireland Cricket |
The big question for India ahead of the first T20I was whether they would have on eye on the England series, and deliver a less than convincing performance in Ireland. It’s very safe to say that wasn’t the case, with India producing a sharp, professional display that was simply too good for their opponent.
Ireland can expect more of the same, looking at how well-drilled India are under the leadership of Virat Kohli. Unfortunately for the Irish, everything that could go wrong, did go wrong in the first T20I. However, they have an opportunity in the second T20I to put on a more competitive show, and will be encouraged by the positive showings of Peter Chase (4/35) and James Shannon (60 off 35 balls) in the series opener.
India will experiment with their squad a little ahead of the England series, according to skipper Virat Kohli. If it were up to Ireland, they would like to see the back of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and the two wristspinners, who were all excellent in the first T20I. At least three of these players could sit out this game, and the scary part is that India will still boast a very good T20 side.
Key to an Ireland win
The first T20I highlighted in the gulf in class between the two teams, but its important Ireland put Wednesday behind them, and focus on the next match. In the first T20I, James Shannon received very little support as he made a promising 60, with the next best score 12. However, the damage was done after Ireland conceded 200+.
Ireland need a wicket or two in the powerplay overs to push India back as much as they can. They need regular breakthroughs throughout the innings, too. Taking opportunities that come their way will be paramount.
Also, Ireland were all at sea against India’s wristspinners, mainly Kuldeep Yadav. Can they effectively rotate the strike against Kuldeep and Chahal and take runs off some of the other bowlers, especially with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah possibly sitting out?
It will be amazing scenes if they get the job done. I’d be jumping up and down in my living room if Ireland win!
Key to an India win
India stamped their authority in their first match of their huge tour.
The top order set things up beautifully, and will be hoping for the same again. One ominous warning for Ireland is that Virat Kohli wasn’t even a factor in the first T20I, and he will be keen to get some runs under his belt in the second T20I. Another powerful India batting effort will be too much for Ireland, and the men in blue will be especially happy if the middle order can also put in a strong showing.
Also, India’s attack showed its cohesiveness once again in the first T20I, and will be hoping they take all their chances in the field in the second. Their total of 208 was never under threat, and Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal continued their impressive performances for India following on from their exploits in South Africa. It is not safe to assume Ireland will read them better in this game, so back them to continue to be in the wickets.
Predicted teams
It was a tad disappointing to see Ireland not play Joshua Little in the first T20I. In the second match, they could stick with the same team.
Ireland XI: 1. Paul Stirling, 2. William Porterfield, 3. Andy Balbirnie, 4. Simi Singh, 5. Gary Wilson (c), 6. Kevin O’Brien, 7. Stuart Thompson, 8. Stuart Poynter (wk), 9. George Dockrell, 10. Boyd Rankin, 11. Peter Chase
Virat Kohli has expressed his desire to experiment with the team. Rohit Sharma is said to be sitting out this one. There is a chance Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah could sit out, too.
India XI: 1. KL Rahul, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. Suresh Raina, 5. MS Dhoni (wk), 6. Manish Pandey, 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Umesh Yadav/Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Yuzvendra Chahal, 11. Jasprit Bumrah/Siddarth Kaul
Stats and Facts:
- Head-to-head: Matches 2, Ireland 0, India 2
- Shikhar Dhawan needs 42 runs to reach 1,000 T20I runs. He will be the sixth Indian player to achieve this feat.
- Time for Suresh Raina to stand up? He has scored just one T20I fifty since June 2010.
- India are unbeaten in their last seven T20I series, including this one. However, if they win the 2nd T20I, it will be five series wins in a row, including the Nidahas Trophy.
Prediction
India again. Hard to see any other result. Hoping for Ireland to be more competitive this time around.
