Ireland stun World Champions India in first T20I
Ireland defeated India by 34 runs in the first T20I of the two-match series in Belfast on Friday, taking a 1-0 lead. Captain Lorcan Tucker described the victory over the reigning World Champions as 'pretty special'.
"It was pretty special. But just credit to the lads. I think we scraped through that game. We had some tough periods in it, but we stayed in it. And we were diligent, and we worked hard. And we were lucky to get the reward in the end," Tucker said, according to ANI.
Tucker's fifty sets up 183-run target
Tucker scored 50 off 36 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes. After Ireland slipped to 36 for 3, he put on a 64-run partnership with Gareth Delany, helping the hosts post a challenging 183-run target. Tucker explained how they recovered: "I think India bowled really well at the start. I think they bowled really good lengths. They didn't really waver from them. They stuck with them, found it challenging to hit good shots. It nearly felt like a Test match at one stage. But I think we tried to stay in the game, build a partnership, and then took our opportunities when they came a bit later."
First-ever win over India in international cricket
This victory was Ireland's first win over India in any format of international cricket. With this result, Ireland became the 11th team to defeat India in internationals. They have now beaten eight Full Member sides, leaving only Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka as teams they have yet to conquer.
Talking about where this win ranks among Ireland's biggest victories, Tucker said: "I think it's pretty special, I think, to beat the world champions at home, first game of the season, T20 cricket. But credit's due to the lads. I think we had two debutants there who put in absolutely outstanding performances. I think to all the work that goes in behind the scenes, Cricket Ireland, everyone's very dedicated, and I think that's why we like to try and bring these results and support everyone."
Debutants shine with the ball
Matthew Hollard and Jai Moondra made their international debuts for Ireland and combined for five wickets. Hollard was named Player of the Match for his figures of 3/28. Tucker praised the debutants: "I think they were really dogged. I think we learned a lot from how India bowled in the first innings. They didn't really stray from their lengths. I think we tried to tell the lads to do that as well, and they just showed their skill and their accuracy and their ability to stay in that spot and make it challenging for their batters. So absolute credit to them, but credit to themselves. They worked so hard, and they were able to execute their plans, as we asked of them."
Ireland eye series win on Sunday
The hosts will look to seal the series with another victory in the final T20I on Sunday at the same venue. Tucker said: "Absolutely, yeah. A series win at home against India would be pretty special. I think the lads are absolutely mustard keen to get back here. I think the energy today was fabulous, the crowd were brilliant, so special."
