NEW DELHI: In a dramatic start to the three-match T20I series, rain interrupted the opening encounter between India and Ireland when the visitors were 47 for 2 in 6.5 overs, leading by two runs on the DLS par score. India, chasing a target of 140, had made a solid start with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad at the crease.
The Indian innings began fluently as Jaiswal (24; 23b) and Gaikwad (19 not out) stitched together a 46-run partnership in just 6.2 overs. However, the momentum was disrupted by Craig Young, who struck twice in quick succession. He dismissed the left-handed duo of Jaiswal and Tilak Varma, the latter departing for a golden duck.
Despite the setbacks, India's vice-captain Gaikwad exhibited maturity and navigated the tricky phase, keeping a watchful eye on the DLS par score as overcast conditions threatened the match.
Earlier, India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna made impressive returns to the playing XI after dealing with lower-back injuries. Bumrah, who had been sidelined for 11 months due to a lower-back stress fracture, showcased his prowess by claiming figures of 2 for 24. Prasidh, who was also recovering from a lower-back injury, contributed with 2 for 32.
The Indian bowlers collaborated to restrict Ireland to a competitive total of 139 for 7 after India won the toss and elected to field. Ravi Bishnoi (2/23) and Arshdeep Singh (1/35) also made meaningful contributions to the bowling effort.
Ireland's innings seemed to be in dire straits at 59/6 in the 11th over, but a resilient seventh-wicket partnership between Curtis Campher (39) and Barry McCarthy turned the tide. McCarthy emerged as the standout performer for the hosts, reaching his maiden half-century in style with a last-ball six off Arshdeep. His innings was punctuated by four boundaries and an equal number of sixes.
(With inputs from PTI)
