NEW DELHI: Just when the first T20I between hosts Ireland and India was shaping up into a competitive contest in Dublin on Friday, rain played spoilsport, bringing DLS method into play, and the calculations gave India a two-run victory.
A maiden T20I half-century by Barry McCarthy (51 not out off 33 balls) while batting at No. 8 and his 57-run stand with Curtis Campher (39 off 33) lifted Ireland from a disastrous 59/6 to put up 139/7 in their 20 overs.
1st T20I: AS IT HAPPENED
Making a comeback after 11 months and leading the Indian team, Jasprit Bumrah impressed with his fitness and form, taking 2/24. Prasidh Krishna, also on a comeback trail from injury, also proved himself in his spell of 2/32.
Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi struck twice as well and his figures read the most economical at 2/23, while paceman Arshdeep Singh took 1/35.
India opners Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad then mixed caution with aggression in conditions that were assisting the Irish pacers. The duo added 46 runs in 6.2 overs, when Jaiswal was dismissed by Craig Young for 24. T20 sensation Tilak Verma, however, couldn't get going and was dismissed for a first-ball duck by Young, who registered figures of 2/2 in 0.5 overs.
Ruturaj Gaikwad was unbeaten on 19 when rain stopped play, bringing the DLS method into play and India edged the hosts by two runs.
Here's how the players reacted after the match:
Bumrah on how he felt fitness-wise
"It felt very good, so many sessions I did at the NCA, didn't feel I missed out a lot or was doing something new. Credit to the staff, they kept me in good spirits."
Bumrah on the weather conditions and Ireland's comeback
"There was some swing upfront, so we wanted to use it. Luckily we won the toss and it was coming out fine. There was some help due to the weather, so very happy. In every game, you would want more. After a crisis (slipping to 59/6), they played well, credit where it is due. Even when you win, there are areas to improve on. Everybody is very confident."
McCarthy on his half-century
"It is always good to contribute to the team, disappointed that we didn't get a win. We (Campher and I during our partnership) knew we had to get a good score on the board. We were enforcing ourselves and playing strong shots. In the second innings (India's run-chase), there was a little bit in the wicket. It's important to take the game to the opposition."
Ravi Bishnoi
"The type of bowler he is, the whole world has seen his bowling. It was his first match on his comeback after a long time. His first delivery didn't work out, but the five balls after that was fun to watch. Everyone was waiting to see this Bumrah, and it was fun to watch him bowl."
(AI image)
