India take on Ireland in a must-win second T20I in Belfast after a shock defeat in the opener. Check preview, probable XI, match time and live streaming details.
India's Arshdeep Singh celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Ireland's Harry Tector during the first T20I match between India and Ireland at Stormont Cricket Ground in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Friday, June 26, 2026. (Photo: IANS/X/@BCCI)
India face a stern test of character when they take on Ireland in the second and final T20I at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Sunday. After suffering a stunning defeat in the series opener, the world champions must win to avoid a rare bilateral series loss, while Ireland stand on the brink of one of the greatest results in their cricketing history.
Friday’s defeat was a wake-up call for Shreyas Iyer’s young side. Despite reducing Ireland to 36/3 early in the innings, India allowed the hosts to recover before falling well short in the chase, handing Ireland their maiden T20I victory over the Men in Blue.
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Now, with the series on the line, India have little room for error.
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For captain Shreyas Iyer, the second T20I presents an opportunity to show how quickly his side can bounce back. India has built a reputation for responding strongly after setbacks, but another below-par performance would raise fresh questions about the team’s execution under pressure.
India’s bowling attack impressed with the new ball in the opening game but failed to maintain control during the middle and death overs. Harshit Rana starred with three wickets, while Arshdeep Singh created early pressure, yet Ireland’s middle order seized the momentum through Lorcan Tucker, Gareth Delany and George Dockrell.
The batting unit endured an equally frustrating outing. Abhishek Sharma’s blistering half-century briefly kept India in the contest, but the lack of partnerships after his dismissal exposed the middle order. Captain Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar will all be eager to make amends after failing to capitalise on their starts.
The team management could also consider changes to inject fresh energy into the side, with teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi among the players waiting in the wings.
Ireland, meanwhile, will enter the contest with belief and momentum firmly on their side. Their victory in the first T20I was built on resilience after a shaky start and highlighted the growing maturity of a side capable of challenging the world’s best.
Captain Lorcan Tucker led from the front with a composed half-century, Gareth Delany played a vital supporting role, while George Dockrell’s late fireworks gave Ireland the finishing kick they needed.
The bowling attack also delivered under pressure. Debutants Matt Hollard and Jai Moondra impressed with disciplined spells, while Ireland consistently found breakthroughs to prevent India from building any sustained partnerships.
Having already secured their first T20I win over India, Ireland now have the chance to complete a memorable series victory on home soil—an achievement that would rank among the biggest moments in the country’s cricket history.
India’s top order showed promise in the opener, but the middle order failed to handle the increasing required rate. Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube will need to take greater responsibility if India are to level the series.
Ireland’s bowling unit, buoyed by confidence after Friday’s display, will look to replicate the disciplined lengths and clever variations that dismantled India’s batting lineup. If the hosts can strike regularly through the middle overs once again, another upset could be on the cards.
Where will the India vs Ireland 2nd T20I be played?
The match will be played at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast.
When will the India vs Ireland 2nd T20I take place?
The match will be be played on Sunday, June 28, with the first ball scheduled for 6:00 PM IST.
Where to watch the India vs Ireland 2nd T20I live on TV?
The match will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD and Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD.
Where to watch the India vs Ireland 2nd T20I live streaming in India?
The match will be streamed live on SonyLiv.
India: Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Sharma, Suryansh Shedge, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube, Prince Yadav, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Ireland: Lorcan Tucker (c), Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Matthew Humphreys, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Hollard, Liam McCarthy, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Reuben Wilson.
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