Prince Yadav's 3-22 debut steers India to restrict Ireland to 154/8 in 2nd T20I
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Debutant pacer Prince Yadav claimed figures of 3-22 on his T20I debut as India delivered a disciplined bowling performance to restrict Ireland to 154/8 in the second T20I at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast, on Sunday, 28 June. India now chase 155 to level the two-match series after a 34-run defeat in the opener — their first-ever loss to Ireland in international cricket.
Ireland's Promising Start Pegged Back Early
Put in to bat first, Ireland came out swinging. Opener Ross Adair smashed successive sixes off Arshdeep Singh in the very first over, signalling intent. However, Harshit Rana struck in the second over to remove Tim Tector, before Arshdeep dismissed Adair for 16 to rein in the hosts. Ireland reached the halfway stage at 58/3, with Lorcan Tucker falling caught behind off Prince.
Tector and Calitz Partnership Threatens 180
Harry Tector, playing his landmark 100th T20I, held the Irish innings together with a composed 53, finding a willing partner in Ben Calitz, who contributed 37. Their 65-run stand at the business end threatened to push Ireland close to 180, as both batters found boundaries comfortably off debutant Suryansh Shedge and Axar Patel.
Dube's Double Strike Changes the Game
The momentum shifted decisively in the 15th over when Shivam Dube removed both Calitz and Gareth Delany on successive deliveries, finishing with figures of 2-25. A brief four-minute rain delay followed, but George Dockrell's cameo of 19 and Tector's fighting half-century kept Ireland competitive.
Prince Yadav's Debut Variations Seal the Innings
Prince returned for the final over and proved decisive, dismissing both Tector and Liam McCarthy with clever variations — hard lengths mixed with yorkers and slower balls — to cap a memorable debut. Ireland, who at one point appeared set for 180-plus, were ultimately restricted to 154/8 in their 20 overs. Axar and Shedge went wicketless on the day.
What's at Stake in the Chase
India enter the chase under pressure, needing to overturn a series deficit against an Ireland side that has already created history by handing India their first-ever defeat in international cricket. A target of 155 on a Stormont surface is chasing-friendly, and India's batting lineup will be eager to level the series and avoid a historic series loss.
Brief Scores: Ireland 154/8 in 20 overs (Harry Tector 53, Ben Calitz 37; Prince Yadav 3-22, Shivam Dube 2-25) vs India.