The India vs Ireland T20I series is in the history books. As expected, the Men in Blue whitewashed the home team by 2-0. However, both matches were closer than expected. Ireland’s batting surprised the Indian team as they scored decent totals in both the games.
Speaking of their efforts in the second T20I of the series, Ireland almost chased down a 226-run target to stun the Indian cricket team. A half-century from captain Andy Balbirnie and a blistering start from veteran opener Paul Stirling set up a platform for the other batters to chase the target. The Irish team eventually fell short by just four runs. They finished with 221/5 in their 20 overs.
In a chat with the host broadcasters after the match, Harshal Patel, who went for 54 runs in his spell of four overs, was quoted as saying as follows:
“We were comfortable (at the halfway mark). Most of the time when you get 225 you defend it. They played really well and came after us with some really good shots. It was a belter, but we held our nerve to finish the game. (On Umran Malik’s last over) He held his nerve brilliantly.”
During the same chat, Harshal also admitted that the Indian bowlers were surprised with the way the Irish batters mercilessly attacked them. The equation was down to 8 runs off 3 balls, when Umran Malik conceded only three singles and helped the Men in Blue win the match.
Fans on Twitter lauded Ireland for their stupendous batting performance
Scoring 200 against India is a big thing for any T20I team. The Irish team is not among the top teams in the T20I format, but they almost chased 226 runs against the Men in Blue. Here’s how fans on Twitter reacted to their performance:
didn't expect Ireland to put up such a fantastic chase. This is brilliant irrespective of the result.
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) June 28, 2022
No matter what is the result, This Ireland team won hearts of ever Cricket Fan ❤️🎉#IREvIND | #UmranMalik
— Welovescricket (@welovescricket) June 28, 2022
Ireland team are the real winners, the fightback, 14th in ICC ranking, lost by just 4 runs while chasing 225 runs against India – this is massive for Irish.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 28, 2022
India have defeated Ireland by the barest of margin after scoring 225. What a fightback, what a show by Ireland. A complete T20 game.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 28, 2022
Ireland couldn't do it for Eoin Morgan.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) June 28, 2022
India beat Ireland by 2-0 in this T20I Series. Won this series by cleansweep. What a Thriller in this match. Umran Malik Bowled a outstanding last over, what a talent. pic.twitter.com/2bWeiLAN8O
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) June 28, 2022
Ireland, you guys were exceptional tonight 🇮🇳🤝🇮🇪#IREvIND
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) June 28, 2022
Ireland's total is now their highest against a full-member team in T20Is. Also their highest T20I total while chasing against any team.#IREvIND
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) June 28, 2022
Good to see Ireland pushing India this close. There is so much apathy whenever they or other lower ranked teams play top sides. After this they are playing NZ and SA, surely they will improve with each game.
— Cricket baba (@Cricketbaba5) June 28, 2022
Ireland missed history by a small margin.
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) June 28, 2022
Hats off to their fighting spirit👏
📸: Sony Liv#IREvIND pic.twitter.com/hEyhWCK1pP
Great last over by Umran Malik, saved us from a loss against Ireland #IREvIND
— Sushant Mehta (@SushantNMehta) June 28, 2022
