Given him my bat: Hardik Pandya hopes Ireland's Harry Tector can get IPL contract in future

India captain Hardik Pandya lauded Harry Tector after the 22-year-old Ireland batter hit a 33-ball 64 in the 1st T20I at the Malahide Cricket Club on Sunday.

India captain Hardik Pandya heaped praise on Harry Tector, saying the 22-year-old Ireland batter has it in him to not just feature in the Indian Premier League but in other high-quality tournaments across the globe. Hardik's comments came after India defeated Ireland by 7 wickets in the first of a 2-match T20I series in Dublin on Sunday, June 26.

Hardik Pandya lauded Harry Tector, highlighting that the young right-hand batter's shot-making, especially through the off-side left him in awe. The all-rounder, who led India for the first time in international cricket, said he has also gifted Tector a bat after the first T20i.

Ireland vs India, 1st T20I: Report | Highlights

Harry Tector flaunted his batting skills in front of a packed crowd in Malahide as the 22-year-old hit 64 from just 33 balls. Tector's composure was on display as he put the pressure right back on India after Ireland slipped to 22 for 3 inside 4 overs on an overcast afternoon during which Bhuvneshwar Kumar was getting plenty of swing.

Tector launched into lef-arm spinner Axar Patel to get going and hit 3 sixes and 6 boundaries in a stunning knock. Despite being a 12-over game, Tector did not try anything fancy but kept the scoreboard moving with orthodox shots. Tector's ability to pierce the gaps on the off-side stood out as 42 of his 64 runs came through the off-side a a strike rate of 200.

"Oh, he (Harry Tector) played some fantastic shots. And obviously, he's 22. I think I have given him a bat as well. So maybe he can score some more sixes and maybe get an IPL contract," Hardik told the press after the 1st T20I in Dublin.

Harry Tector's last four T20I innings:24* off 15 v Germany35 off 27 v Oman50 off 37 v UAE64* off 33 v India - todaySpectacular formWATCH: https://t.co/wDg9dnE3KcSCORE: https://t.co/iHiY0U5y7J#IREvIND | #BackingGreen #Exchange22 #ABDIndiaSterlingReserve pic.twitter.com/SkUqdbNWte