In the thrilling climax of a three-game Twenty20 international series, India overpowered Ireland, claiming victory by a commanding 33-run margin at Malahide. The visitors were asked to bat first, and they concluded their innings with a flourish, amassing a total of 185-5. Ruturaj Gaikwad was the standout performer for India, notching up a robust 58 runs.

Ireland’s spirited response was led by Andrew Balbirnie, who exhibited his prowess with a striking 72 off just 51 balls. However, despite Balbirnie’s valiant efforts, Ireland’s innings culminated at 152-8. 

India’s advantage was built upon a strong partnership between Gaikwad and Sanju Samson, which yielded 71 runs. The Irish side was offered a glimmer of hope when Ben White bowled out wicketkeeper Samson for 40, and Barry McCarthy secured his second wicket of the day by dismissing Gaikwad for 58. 

Although they lost their prominent batsmen, Rinku Singh, 38, and Shivam Dube, 22, not out, accelerated the scoring, amassing 55 runs from a mere 28 balls. Craig Young managed to catch Rinku off Mark Adair’s delivery on the penultimate ball of the innings.

Ireland faced a rocky start when Prasidh Krishna claimed the wickets of captain Paul Stirling and Lorcan Tucker, both for ducks, in the third over. Harry Tector soon followed with just seven runs to his name. 

Balbirnie found an able partner in George Dockerell as the opening pair constructed a partnership of 52 runs, with Dockerell contributing 35 runs. In the 16th over, Arshdeep Singh put an end to Balbirnie’s stellar innings after he was caught by Samson. Mark Adair’s brisk 23 from 15 balls provided some resistance, but it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap as Ireland fell short.

The two sides are set to meet once more at the same venue to complete the series on Wednesday.

Leon Osamor