India defeated Ireland by two runs via DLS method in a rain-curtailed encounter in Dublin on Friday, August 18. After getting thrashed by West Indies, the Men in Blue were desperate to start their Ireland tour on a positive note. However, the young Indian squad led by veteran pacer Jasprit Bumrah staged an impressive performance and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
In this article let’s take a look at the top three talking points from the 1st T20I between Ireland and India.
3. Craig Young’s double strike
The young India openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad gave India a strong start in their 140-run chase. The duo stitched 45 runs in six overs and put India ahead in the opening session. However, Young came into the attack in the very next over and brought a twist to the game by picking up the wickets of Jaiswal and Tilak Varma in successive deliveries. His double strike ensured a thrilling match ahead, but the rain had the final say and India snatched a two-run victory.
2. Barry McCarthy’s heroics
Batting first, Ireland got off to a disastrous start with Bumrah wreaking havoc in the opening over. The hosts seemed like ending up with a low score, but Barry McCarthy had some other plans. The No. 8 batter played a record-breaking innings (51* off 33 balls) and helped his team to reach a decent total. The 30-year-old smashed four sixes and as many sixes, and made a mockery of Indian pacers in the death overs.
1. Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna’s return
Bumrah announced his return to international cricket with a cracking delivery on the second ball to dismiss Irish opener Andrew Balbirnie. The right-arm pacer claimed his second wicket on the fifth ball and showed that his injury has not hindered his performance. Meanwhile, Krishna, who made his T20I debut, also took wickets and played a key role in restricting Ireland to 139. His ability to generate bounce and quick movements will be a great addition to India going forward.