India’s long overseas run started with a stellar performance against a weak Ireland side at Malahide on Wednesday. The Indian side is currently facing the Irish side at Malahide in a two-match T20 series, the series will give them the much-needed practice before the commencement of the all-important England tour beginning from 3rd July.

The Men in Blue started their demolition on a flat pitch in Malahide as they scored 208 runs in their allocated 20 overs. In response, the Irish side was off to a horrible start as they lost Paul Stirling at the score of 5. James Shannon showed some promising signs as he scored 60 against a deadly Indian bowling attack but wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav spun his web around the Irish batting lineup as they restricted them to a mere 132.

Ireland will walk into the second T20 with a little or no expectations. The two positives for them from the first game were James Shannon and Peter Chase. Their hopes will rely on the likes of Boyd Rankin, Paul Stirling and Gary Wilson. On the other hand, the Indian side is expected to make a few changes in their line-up.

Pitch condition: The previous T20 witnessed a flat wicket where over 200 runs were on offer. In a span of two days, not much is expected to change. The pitch is likely to be flat with some early assistance for the pacers.

Weather conditions: The sun is out and it will stay the same throughout the day.

“We’re going to give everyone a go in this series. The management and me as captain decided it. There’re no mysteries and we’re looking everyone to give game time,” said Kohli at the post-match ceremony.

The Indian skipper Virat Kohli will look to experiment with his side in this game. KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik are likely to get a go in the top and middle order respectively. Off-spinner Washington Sundar may replace Hardik Pandya for the final T20I. India may also rest both their pacers to bring in Umesh Yadav and Siddharth Kaul.

Ireland put up all they had in the first game of the series. Their side is filled with all-rounders, the Irish side may add some rank-specialists into their XI for the second T20. Stuart Thompson took a beating in the last game and is likely to sit out today at the expense of Joshua Little. Ireland may opt for William Porterfield to strengthen their batting line-up.

Ireland likely XI for 2nd T20I: Paul Stirling, James Shannon, Andy Balbirnie, Simi Singh, Gary Wilson (c), Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Poynter (wk), Andy McBrine, George Dockrell, Boyd Rankin, Peter Chase.

India likely XI for 2nd T20I: KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (c), Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni (wk), Dinesh Karthik, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Siddarth Kaul, Umesh Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Prediction: The Indian side is likely to dominate the game as they look to seize the series. Ireland will once again try to put their best foot forward. It is fair to say that an Indian win is on the cards.