Ireland vs India: First T20I- Match Preview, Playing XI, Pitch Report, & Updates

India is all set to begin the tour of Ireland with the first T20I match at the Village in Dublin on the 26th of June. This series will be crucial for both sides as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia.

While the Indian team have sent some of their young players for the series, the Ireland team has announced a full-fledged T20I squad for the series. The two have previously played three T20I matches against each other, with India winning all of them.

Team Updates

India

The team led by Hardik Pandya has a point to prove. This is not the core team for India in the shortest format. Most of the senior Indian players are busy with the rescheduled fifth Test match in England. The majority of the young players also competed against the South African team in a five-match T20I series that finished in a 2-2 draw. They will be eager to make an impression in this series ahead of the crucial T20 World Cup.

The men in blue will have to make a few adjustments to their team due to the unavailability of some of the players. Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant are not available for the team. Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson might are likely to be the confirmed starters.

Probable Playing XI

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya (c), Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal

Ireland

The host team has a fantastic opportunity to compete with the young but powerful Indian team. Ireland defeated South Africa 0-3 in a three-match T20I series last summer, and the challenge against India will be just as demanding, if not more difficult. The team will be high on confidence after reaching the final of the recently concluded T20 World Cup Qualifiers.

Ireland will be without long-serving opener William Porterfield, who recently retired. The team will miss his expertise in this tough competition. The Andrew Balbirnie-led team will also make a few changes to their playing XI.

Probable Playing XI

Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie (c), Gareth Delany, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector,  Stephen Doheny, Andy McBrine, Curtis Campher, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little

Pitch Report

The wicket at The Village will be quick due to the overcast conditions in the country, and the pacers will enjoy their time here. To get settled here, the batters will have to work hard. The team that wins the toss will want to bowl first.

Match Details

Date- 26th June 2022

Time- 9 p.m (IST)

Venue- The Village, Dublin

Broadcast- Sony Sports Network, Sony Liv