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The first T20 match of the three-match series between India and Ireland will be played on Friday, June 26 at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast. Both teams would like to start the series with a win.
India vs Ireland 1st T20 match venue overview
The Civil Service Cricket Club is Ireland’s premier international cricket venue and regularly hosts T20I, ODI and ICC events. This ground is known for fair competition between bat and ball, with conditions often favoring seam bowlers at the beginning of the innings.
The venue has hosted many memorable international matches over the years. While the new ball usually takes off in overcast skies, once players have settled in it becomes easier to bat, making the venue a balanced venue for both batsmen and bowlers.
India vs Ireland 1st T20 match pitch report
The Stormont pitch has become more batting-friendly in recent T20Is. Although the first innings total averages around 128, the average in the last six matches has been 161, with several teams having totals above 170.
The surface is generally good for batting throughout the innings, with plenty of runs available in the death overs. A score between 170 and 180 in the first innings should be competitive, although teams chasing the target have had more success at this venue.
India vs Ireland 1st T20 Match Weather Forecast
The weather is expected to be mostly cloudy in Belfast 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 rain during the match, so rain disruptions are possible for a short period of time. It is expected that cloudy sky will help the fast bowlers in the beginning of 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 with no result. Teams chasing the target have had great success, winning 16 of the 26 completed matches, while teams batting first have won 10. The ground has created a good balance between bat and ball.
India vs Ireland 1st T20I Average 1st Innings Score
The overall average score of the first innings at Stormont is 126.6. However, batting conditions have improved in recent years, with the average score in the first innings in the last six T20Is being 161. Teams have also crossed the 170-run mark many times.
India vs Ireland 1st T20I average 2nd innings score
The average score in the second innings at the venue is 112.7. Chasing the target has become easier in recent matches, especially as the speed of the new ball has decreased. The batsmen who settled on the crease got a lot of scoring opportunities during the middle and death overs.
India vs Ireland first T20I chase record at venue
Teams batting second have won 16 of the 26 completed T20Is at Stormont, while teams batting first have won 10. Since the pitch generally becomes better for batting after the powerplay, captains often prefer to chase at this venue.
Highest team score at India vs Ireland 1st T20 match venue
Bangladesh holds the record for the highest T20I score at this venue. They scored 190/5 against Ireland on 18 July 2012, winning the match by 71 runs.
India vs Ireland 1st T20 match, lowest team total at the venue
Bermuda recorded the lowest T20I score at the venue when they scored 41/8 against Ireland in a rain-interrupted match on 3 August 2008. Ireland defended 43/7 to seal a four-run win in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier.
India vs Ireland 1st T20I Important Venue Stats
Matches played: 27
Won by batting first: 10
Won while batting second: 16
Average score of first innings: 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: Ilyas Sunny – 5/13 vs Ireland
India vs Ireland 1st T20 match pitch report decision
The circumstances at the Civil Service Cricket Club suggest that bowling first would be a better option. Especially in cloudy conditions, the new ball is expected to provide quicker movement to the fast bowlers.
Dew is unlikely to have much impact due to cool conditions in Belfast. The seamers should enjoy early support while batting is expected to get easier as the innings progress. Winning the toss and choosing to field first seems to be the ideal strategy.
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