India vs Ireland 2018: Five Facts You Need to Know Ahead of the IND vs IRE T20I Series

Ahead of the gruelling England tour, India will take on Ireland in the two-match T20I series. It has become a norm for teams touring England to play either Ireland or Scotland in the build-up. The India vs Ireland two T20Is are scheduled to take place on June 27 and 29 and both the matches will be held at the Malahide Cricket Club Ground, also known as The Village, in Dublin. Following the series against Ireland, India will face England in three T20Is and as many One-Day Internationals (ODIs) besides the five Test matches.

India are ranked third in T20Is while Ireland are bottom-placed at 17th. Apparently, the Virat Kohli-led side walks into the series as favourites. However, Ireland will be keen to improve their performance in the game’s shortest format. Ahead of the series, as the two sides lock horns, we bring to you some facts: Virat Kohli Says Focus Is on How to Win Matches Ahead of India’s Tour to Ireland and England.

First bilateral series: This will be for the first time that India and Ireland face each other in a bilateral T20I series. The two sides have met just once in the game’s shortest format. The contest took place during the World T20 2009. India won the match by eight wickets.

Highest/lowest total in T20Is in Ireland: In 2012, Bangladesh scored 190 for five in their allotted 20 overs against the hosts, it remains the highest team total in T20Is in Ireland. In 2015, Nepal were bundled out for just 53 runs by the home side and it is lowest T20I total in Ireland.

Ireland’s record at home in T20Is: At home Ireland have played 16 T20Is. Out of these, the team has won only four matches and lost nine. Three matches have ended without a result. So, Ireland’s win percentage at home in T20Is is mere 30.76. Against India the Irish team will definitely be looking to improve their home record. Though it won’t that easy.

Highest individual score in T20Is in Ireland: Afghanistan’s Nawroz Mangal scored unbeaten 65 against Papua New Guinea in 2015 and that is the highest individual score in Ireland in T20Is.

Best bowling figures in T20Is in Ireland: In 2012, Bangladesh spinner Elias Sunny picked 5/15 against the home side to register best bowling figures in T20Is in Ireland. He helped Bangladesh win the match by 71 runs. It happens to be the only five-wicket haul in Ireland in T20Is.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 23, 2018 08:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).