Xtra Time Web Desk: India secured a series win against Ireland with a 33-run victory in the second T20I at Malahide, Dublin, on Sunday, August 20. Ruturaj Gaikwad (58 off 43) and Rinku Singh (38 off 21) played pivotal roles in India’s triumph. Gaikwad, scoring his second T20I fifty, and Rinku’s explosive batting in the death overs propelled India to a commanding 185/5.
Yashasvi Jaiswal started aggressively with 18 off 11 balls but fell early. Tilak Varma’s struggles continued, leaving India at 35/2. Sanju Samson (40 off 26) and Gaikwad (58) formed a crucial 71-run partnership. Gaikwad’s calculated approach led to his half-century.
Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube unleashed fireworks in the final overs. Rinku’s brutal hitting demoralized the Irish bowlers, adding 20 runs in the last over, setting a target of 186 for Ireland.
Ireland’s chase suffered as they lost early wickets, with Paul Stirling departing for a duck. Captain Japsrit Bumrah was once again the pick of the Indian bowlers with a figure of 4-1-15-2. Prasidh Krishna (2/29) and Ravi Bishnoi (2/37) kept the pressure on, reducing Ireland to 63/4 at the halfway mark. However, Andy Balbirnie fought valiantly, scoring 72 off 51 balls. Arshdeep Singh took his 50th T20I wicket by dismissing Balbirnie. Ireland managed 152/8 as India sealed the series win.