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THE FACTS
When is Ireland vs India taking place? Friday, August 18th, 2023 – 15:00 (UK)
Where is Ireland vs India taking place? The Village, Dublin
What channel is Ireland vs India on? Ireland vs India will be televised live on TNT Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Ireland vs India? Ireland vs India can be streamed on discovery+ in the UK
THE LOWDOWN
IRELAND
Ireland are set to compete in their first big bilateral series since qualifying for next year’s T20 World Cup and what a series it will be, with India coming to town. Neil Rock and Graham Hume have both been dropped from the squad who secured their T20 World Cup qualification, replaced by Gareth Delany and Fionn Hand. Left-arm pacer Josh Little will be key to any hopes of success against tourists and he will be familiar with many of these Indian batters, having played against them earlier this year in the Indian Premier League.
INDIA
India will use this series to test their squad depth, as they did against West Indies most recently. However, there is one big name returning to the fold and it’s a huge one in terms of India’s prospects moving forward. Jasprit Bumrah has been sidelined for a year due to a back injury, but the fast-bowling superstar is set to make his re-entry to the international scene following months of rehabilitation with an eye on both the Asia Cup next month and the ICC Cricket World Cup following that. Another exciting call-up is that of 25-year-old Rinku Singh, him of the five consecutive sixes who shone in the 2023 IPL and he’ll be hoping to make his international debut.
THE PREDICTION
The weather forecast for Dublin suggests that we’ll be lucky to get a completed match in here, but if we do then India will be expected to come out on top. They are a stronger team in every department whether it be batting or bowling, even with certain first-choice players not being available. Provided they can navigate the threat of Little without any serious damage then they should ultimately triumph in this first T20i.
TIP: INDIA TO WIN