Harshit Rana’s late cameo goes in vain as India lose T20I series to Ireland

Team India possibly had one of the biggest upsets of all time handed over to them as they went down fighting against Ireland in what was the second game of the two-match T20I series. Another batting collapse from the Men in Blue was too much for the visitors to recuperate from, even though Harshit Rana’s late blitz saw India coming mighty close to the finish line.

Winning the toss, India opted to bowl first in Belfast. Prince Yadav and Suryansh Shedge got their international debuts. The Indian bowlers hunkered down to business right from the outset. Harshit Rana's impressive run with the ball since his return from the injury continued as he claimed Tim Tector (5) to provide the first breakthrough for India.

Arshdeep Singh struck next to send Ross Adair (16) packing as India made good grounds early in the game. The visitors meant business with the ball and were able to get the better of their captain, Lorcan Tucker (15) in short succession as well. Wobbling at 48/3, Ireland found some solid support in the form of a partnership between Harry Tector (53) and Ben Calitz (37).

The two added 65 runs for the fourth wicket and looked in cruise control until Shivam Dube dealt a blow by getting the better of Calitz. The fall of Calitz allowed India to find their way through and eventually force the scoring rate to slow down. George Dockrell (19) knitted together another crucial stand of 31 runs with Harry Tector. At the end of their 20 overs, Ireland had posted 154/8.

Harshit Rana was once again brilliant with the ball, registering figures of 1/17 while Prince Yadav looked absolutely solid on his debut, dishing out figures of 3/22. Despite the shenanigans from the surface, 154 looked like a gettable total for India.

Much to India’s shocker, they lost the cream of their batting unit even before they could settle down. Both their openers, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson departed for a golden duck. Ishan Kishan (12) and Shreyas Iyer (10) were back to the hut in quick succession as well.

Eventually, Tilak Varma came in with the brick and mortar for what was already a shaky display from the Indian batting unit. He was joined by Axar Patel (14) who did spend some time in the middle to help India steady the ship. An incoming Shivam Dube (20) following the departure of Patel also looked solid for his residence in the center.

However, with wickets toppling at the other end, Varma’s aggression also buckled under the pump as he fell for 55 from 46 balls. Just when it felt like that all hopes were lost for India, then came Harshit Rana. Rana turned the game on its head with a knock that left the Irish bowlers scampering for shelter.

Rana smashed 21 off just 10 balls, knocking two fours and a six, bringing India mighty close to the finish. However, on the penultimate ball, Rana holed out. With India needing 8 runs off the last ball, Prince Yadav's six was not enough for the Men in Blue as they fell short by one run.

India will have a breather for a couple of days before they hit the yard again and this time against a more formidable England side.