Shreyas Iyer & Co need improved batting show in must-win clash vs Ireland

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India’s star-studded top order will be under pressure to make amends when they take on a buoyant Ireland in the second and final T20I here on Sunday, with Shreyas Iyer’s men aiming to level the series after a shock defeat in the opener.

Playing their first match since their T20 World Cup triumph, the reigning champions suffered one of their biggest upsets as Ireland defended 182 to bowl them out for 148 and register their maiden international win over India on Friday.

It was hardly the start Iyer would have envisioned on his return to T20Is after 963 days and in his first assignment as India’s T20 captain. With a five-match series against England beginning on Wednesday, Iyer will be eager to sign off the brief Ireland tour on a winning note.

The biggest concern from the opening game was India’s batting collapse. Sanju Samson lasted just four balls before becoming debutant Jai Moondra’s maiden international wicket. Ishan Kishan and Iyer too fell for single-digit scores. Abhishek Sharma (49 off 20 balls) struck the ball cleanly at the top but lacked support from the other end.

The team management is unlikely to press the panic button after one defeat. Teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is expected to remain on the sidelines again as India are unlikely to tinker with the top order. Accommodating the left-hander would require a reshuffle, possibly pushing Samson down the order.

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