The first T20I of the three-match series between India and Ireland will be played on Friday, June 26, at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast. Both teams will look to start the series with a victory.
India vs Ireland 1st T20I Venue Overview
The Civil Service Cricket Club is Ireland’s premier international cricket venue and regularly hosts T20Is, ODIs, and ICC events. The ground is known for offering a fair contest between bat and ball, with conditions often favoring seam bowlers early in the innings.
The venue has staged several memorable international matches over the years. While the new ball usually moves under overcast skies, batting becomes easier once players settle, making the venue a balanced venue for both batters and bowlers.
India vs Ireland 1st T20I Pitch Report
The Stormont pitch has become more batting-friendly in recent T20Is. Although the overall first-innings average is around 128, the last six matches have produced an average of 161, with several teams posting totals above 170.
The surface generally remains good for batting throughout the innings, with plenty of runs available in the death overs. A first-innings score between 170 and 180 should be competitive, although chasing teams have enjoyed more success at this venue.
India vs Ireland 1st T20I Weather Forecast
The weather in Belfast is expected to remain mostly overcast on Friday. Temperatures will range between 14°C and 16°C, with humidity around 75% and light south-westerly winds.
There is a moderate chance of showers during the match, so brief rain interruptions are possible. The cloudy conditions are expected to help the fast bowlers early in the innings.
India vs Ireland 1st T20I: T20I Records at the Venue
The Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast has hosted 27 T20Is, with one match ending without a result. Teams chasing have enjoyed greater success, winning 16 of the 26 completed matches, while teams batting first have won 10. The venue has produced a good balance between bat and ball.
India vs Ireland 1st T20I Average First Innings Score
The overall average first-innings score at Stormont is 126.6. However, batting conditions have improved in recent years, with the last six T20Is producing an average first-innings total of 161. Teams have also crossed the 170-run mark several times.
India vs Ireland 1st T20I Average Second Innings Score
The average second-innings score at the venue is 112.7. Chasing has become easier in recent matches, especially after the new-ball movement fades. Batters who settle at the crease have found plenty of scoring opportunities during the middle and death overs.
India vs Ireland 1st T20I Chasing Record at the Venue
Teams batting second have won 16 of the 26 completed T20Is at Stormont, compared to 10 wins for teams batting first. With the pitch generally improving for batting after the powerplay, captains often prefer to chase at this venue.
India vs Ireland 1st T20I Highest Team Total at the Venue
Bangladesh hold the record for the highest T20I total at the venue. They scored 190/5 against Ireland on July 18, 2012, and went on to win the match by 71 runs.
India vs Ireland 1st T20I Lowest Team Total at the Venue
Bermuda registered the lowest T20I total at the venue when they managed 41/8 against Ireland in a rain-shortened match on August 3, 2008. Ireland defended 43/7 to secure a four-run victory in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier.
India vs Ireland 1st T20I Crucial Venue Stats
Matches Played: 27
Won Batting First: 10
Won Batting Second: 16
Average First Innings Score: 126.6
Highest Team Total: Bangladesh – 190/5 vs Ireland
Lowest Team Total: Ireland – 43/7 vs Bermuda
Highest Individual Score: D Cleaver – 78* vs Ireland
Best Bowling Figures: Elias Sunny – 5/13 vs Ireland
India vs Ireland 1st T20I Pitch Report Verdict
The conditions at the Civil Service Cricket Club suggest that bowling first will be the better option. Notably, the overcast conditions are expected to provide early movement for the fast bowlers with the new ball.
Dew is unlikely to have much impact because of the cool conditions in Belfast. Seamers should enjoy the early assistance, while batting is expected to become easier as the innings progresses. Winning the toss and choosing to field first appears to be the ideal strategy.
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