Ireland skipper Paul Stirling admitted they didn’t take their chances after their 33-run loss against India in the second T20I at the Village, Dublin on Sunday. India posted a par score of 185 runs on the board after Stirling won the toss and decided to bowl first.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma were dismissed early after they mistimed a pull shot whereas Ruturaj Gaikwad got off to a sedate start but he changed gears later on. Gaikwad scored a fine knock of 58 runs off just 43 balls whereas Samson scored 40 from 26 balls.

The duo added 71 runs for the third wicket to keep the Indian innings on the right track. Subsequently, the finishing touches were added by Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube.

Dube scored an unbeaten 16-ball 22 whereas Rinku Singh, playing his maiden International innings, scored a quickfire knock of 38 runs off just 21 balls. Singh was awarded Player of the Match for his fine knock.

On the other hand, Ireland could only manage 152-8 with opener Andrew Balbirnie top-scoring with 72. But the rest of the Irish batters failed to make any substantial contributions and thus they could not come up with a collective effort.

Paul Stirling said in the post-match presentation, “We had chances. We didn’t quite take it. We had positives for the entire 40 overs. I think we just let them get away in the last few overs. Their batters got going and were difficult to bowl to. We have areas to work on. We can turn it around and hopefully get a win.”

Meanwhile, Andrew Balbirnie was disappointed after his team’s loss and showered praise on India’s bowling unit.

He said, “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. Friday was so close. We feel we can beat them if we play better.”

The third T20I between India and Ireland will be played at the same venue, the Village, Dublin on Wednesday.