IND vs IRE: Ireland Can Beat India If We Play Better: Andrew Balbirnie Ahead Of 3rd T20I

Ireland might have conceded the ongoing three-match T20I series against India but their opener Andrew Balbirnie believes his team has the potential to fancied its fancied opponents.

After losing the first game by 2 runs (DLS method), Ireland lost the do-or-die second match by 33 runs in Dublin on Sunday (August 20). The hosts will now be looking to beat India for the first time in T20Is in the remaining game and end the series on a good note.

Andrew Balbirnie and his men failed to pose a big challenge to Team India as the Men in Blue went on to register a comfortable victory. India did make a shaky start and lost two wickets for just 34 runs but they quickly brought their innings on track and went on to post a big total of 185/5.

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Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad was the top-scorer for India, scoring 58 runs off 43 balls. Shivam Dube and Man of the Match Rinku Singh helped India score 42 runs in the final two overs to take the score past the 180-run mark.

Andrew Balbirnie confident of beating India:

In reply, Ireland finished their innings on 152/8 despite a fine 72-run knock from Andrew Balbirnie. While he stood firm from one end, Ireland kept losing wickets at regular intervals from the other end and eventually fell short by 33 runs.

Speaking at the end of the game, Andrew Balbirnie, began by praising India’s bowling attack and expressing his disappointment over the loss. At the same time, he also said that he and his teammates are confident they can beat India if they play well.

“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 (3rd T20I). We feel we can beat them if we play better,” said Andrew Balbirnie.

The third and final match of the three-T20I series is scheduled to take place on August 23. India have never lost a T20I to Ireland and will be looking to continue the winning run while the hosts will be eyeing a historic victory.