India vs Ireland : Opportunity for Youngsters

Hardik Pandya-led India won the second T20I against Ireland by four runs to seal the series 2-0. Batting first India piled a gigantic 225/7 on the board. Deepak Hooda smashed a century, and found great support from Sanju Samson, who scored 77(42) in his comeback match. In response, Ireland kept themselves in hunt until the final ball of the match as Ireland scored 221/5 in their 20 overs. Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie added 72 runs for the opening wicket before the former was cleaned up by Ravi Bishnoi on 40(18). Soon after his dismissal, Hardik Pandya effected a run-out as the hosts lost two wickets in quick succession. Balbirnie was then dismissed on 60(37).

Umran Malik also picked his maiden international wicket in the form of Lorcan Tucker, who was caught on 5 by substitute fielder Yuzvendra Chahal. Hector Tucker was the final Ireland batter to depart, he was dismissed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar on 39(28). Bhuvneshwar conceded 46 runs in his four-over quota. Harshal Patel conceded 54 in his quota. Ireland played brilliantly in this match.

Deepak Hooda played brilliantly for his first hundred for India in the short format. He had a great partnership with Sanju Samson, who was also played a vital role in India’s win over Ireland in the Second t20. It was really an intense match for the cricket fans as the match went till the last over. It was the learning process for both the teams as the main Indian team is in England for the tests. Umran Malik would have to work on his line and length as speed is not only the factor to survive in International Cricket. The last three balls, he bowled were great and it would be a great learning process for him.

The team was harsh on Rahul Tripathi, he deserved a chance to play for India. He should have play in place of Surya Kumar Yadav. Surya was not all good in the series. Rahul Tripathi is one of the unluckiest cricketers as he was not given chances against South Africa and also not against Ireland. Ireland has the potential to upset big teams and they have done it in the past by beating the the teams like Pakistan, England, South Africa and West Indies. It was a nail-biting finish for both the teams. Tripathi is also not selected to play T20s against England. The series was great for the youngsters to perform and be included in the World t20 cup.