What a showdown it was! Ruturaj Gaikwad showcased his skills with a half-century, but the real star was Rinku Singh, unleashing a blazing performance at the death, as India dominated Ireland by 33 runs, sealing the series in the second T20I clash.

After a shaky start, Gaikwad and Sanju Samson steadied the ship, setting up a solid foundation. Then, Rinku, in his international debut, took charge, smashing 42 runs off the final two overs to lift India to a challenging total of 185.

Though Andy Balbirnie fought valiantly with a 72, Ireland fell short against a potent Indian attack led by Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravi Bishnoi, each bagging two wickets.

In a sunny Malahide afternoon, Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal ignited the innings with style. Gaikwad’s elegant shots and Jaiswal’s aggressive play brought energy. However, Jaiswal fell victim to Craig Young’s crafty delivery. McCarthy then struck again, dismissing Tilak Varma. Gaikwad shifted gears, attacking with pulls and drives. Samson joined the frenzy, hammering boundaries and sixes, putting immense pressure on the bowlers. But Young slowed the pace until Samson’s departure. Enter Rinku, who unleashed his IPL flair, launching McCarthy for fours and a six. Gaikwad’s classy sweeps secured his fifty, and it seemed India was set for a massive score. McCarthy outfoxed Gaikwad, and Ireland tightened their grip. Rinku, however, mirrored his IPL form, thrashing McCarthy for a four and a six, changing the game’s complexion.

The final over turned into a fireworks show with Dube smashing two sixes. Rinku’s powerful cameo of 38 off 21 carried India to a fighting total.

Ireland’s chase faced a stern challenge as Balbirnie survived Bumrah’s fiery first over. Prasidh’s short-ball strategy reaped rewards, dismissing Stirling and Tucker quickly. Bishnoi joined the party, cleaning up Tector.

Balbirnie’s resistance showed promise, but Campher’s dismissal dented Ireland’s hopes. Balbirnie’s fight continued, hitting Dube for sixes and Bishnoi for fours. However, the pressure escalated, and Bumrah claimed the key wicket of Balbirnie, virtually sealing India’s victory. Despite some late hits from Adair, Bumrah’s brilliance concluded the contest, as India clinched an exciting win, with Rinku’s heroics and the bowling trio’s prowess stealing the spotlight.