Hardik Pandya elated after India hammer Ireland in 1st T20I: Great to start the series with a win
India Today
IND vs IRE, 1st T20I: Speaking after winning his first-ever match as India captain, Hardik Pandya said it was great to start the series with a win in Dublin on Sunday.
India captain Hardik Pandya was delighted after his young side kickstarted the Ireland tour with a comprehensive seven-wicket win in the rain-hit opening T20I match in Dublin on Sunday. India chased down the target of 109 with complete ease as Deepak Hooda hit the winning runs on Hardik's captaincy debut as the tourists took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
"Great to start the series with a win, fortunate we got a game. It is important for our team to start with a win. Umran was kept back after I had a chat with him, he's more comfortable with the older ball and they batted fantastically," Hardik Pandya said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
India vs Ireland, 1st T20I: Highlights
Fast-bowling sensation Umran Malik had a forgetful outing with the ball as he conceded 14 runs in the only over he bowled on his international debut. However, captain Hardik backed his young teammate, saying that he is hopeful of Umran getting another opportunity in the second T20I to prove himself.
"So hopefully he gets an opportunity. Some of the shots Harry played had me in awe. Look forward to him developing and taking Irish cricket again," Hardik added.
Hardik, leading India for the first time, won the toss and elected to bowl in a rain-affected game that was reduced to a 12-over affair. Ireland made an excellent comeback on the back of Harry Trector's cracking fifty after being jolted by the Indian pacers in the PowerPlay (four overs).
Tector slammed an unbeaten 64 off 33 balls, comprising six fours and three maximums, as Ireland posted 108 for four. However, Hooda sizzled on his return to the side as the make-shift opener smashed an unbeaten 47 to help India gun down the target and beat Ireland by seven wickets in the first T20I in Dublin on Sunday.
