India defeated Ireland by four runs in the 2nd T20i of the series to register the series win by 2-0. The Indian team posted 225/7 while batting first. In reply, Irish batters came out guns blazing and almost looked like they were pulling off a great chase. Deepak Hooda scored a brilliant century, while Sanju Samson scored his first-ever half-century in T20i cricket.
Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to bat first. India did not have a great start as Ishan Kishan departed for only 2 runs. But after that, Samson and Hooda showed no mercy to the Irish bowlers while bringing up the highest ever partnership for an Indian pair in T20i cricket.
Hooda and Samson put together 176 runs for the second wicket. Samson smashed 77 off 42, which included 9 fours and 4 massive sixes. On the other hand, Hooda amassed 104 off 57 with the help of 9 fours and 6 towering sixes. Their partnership ensured that India finished with 225 runs on the board against Ireland.
Also Read: 16 Probable Players Who Can Represent India in the T20 World Cup 2022
Chasing a huge total, Ireland needed its batters to step up and take the game head-on against India. Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie did exactly what Ireland had hoped for. They smashed the Indian bowlers all around the park to construct a partnership of 72 runs in just 5.4 overs.
Stirling scored 40 off 18, including 3 sixes and 5 fours, while Balbirnie notched up 60 off 37 with the help of 3 fours and 7 gigantic sixes.
Ravi Bishnoi brought the first breakthrough for India by dismissing Stirling. However, Harry Tector and George Dockrell kept the momentum going for Ireland against India. Tector scored 39 off 28, while Dockrell remained unbeaten on 34 off 16. Mark Adair also contributed 23 off 12, but it was not enough for Ireland to win the match against Ireland in the end.
Also Read: Chahal, Hooda help India win the Rain Affected Match against Ireland
