IND vs IRE: "India Batters Got Going And Were Difficult To Bowl To" - Paul Stirling After T20I Series Loss To India

Ireland National Cricket Team skipper Paul Stirling after the loss against India National Cricket Team in the second T20I said that the Indian batters were difficult to bowl in the match.

India beat Ireland by 33 runs in the second T20I at the Malahide, Dublin on Sunday, August 20 to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. India scored 185/5 batting first, thanks to Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson’s performance at the beginning and Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube’s batting masterclass at the end of the innings.

Chasing the target, Andrew Balbirnie fought alone and he didn’t get any support from the other batters as a result the home side were restricted to 152/8 in their 20 overs to lose the crucial game.

During the post-match presentation ceremony, Paul Stirling said that they didn’t have positives in the match and was hopeful of avoiding a clean sweep. He said:

“We had chances. We didn’t quite take it. We had positives for the entire 40 overs. I think we just let them get away in the last few overs. Their batters got going and were difficult to bowl to. We have areas to work on. We can turn it around and hopefully get a win.”

We feel we can beat them if we play better – Paul Stirling’s opening partner Andrew Balbirnie

Andrew Balbirnie, who scored outstanding 72 runs off 51 balls, with 5 fours and 4 sixes, expressed disappointment after his team’s defeat in the match. He said that they need to play a little better to beat India in the third T20I. He said:

“They are a highly skilled bowling unit. Kind of disappointed. We are playing good cricket. Hopefully can put a better show in the last game. Guys trying to hit it off the first ball. Hopefully, we can get over the line on Wednesday. Friday was so close. We feel we can beat them if we play better.”