Indian pacers were on the mark against Ireland in the first T20I at the Malahide Cricket Club Ground in Dublin, but the tone was set upfront by captain Jasprit Bumrah. Returning to international cricket after being sidelined for almost 11 months due to a lower-back stress fracture, Bumrah bowled an excellent first over as he took the vital wickets of Andrew Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker. He also bowled a sensational 19th over as he conceded just one run to finish with figures of 2/24 in four overs.
India went on to win the encounter by two runs by the DLS method as Bumrah was named Player of the Match. He was asked whether there were any nerves as he was making a comeback after a long time. The experienced campaigner said that he wasn’t really nervous as his focus was on the whole team, being the leader of the side.
“Not really, when you are captaining you are thinking more about the whole team and not just your own performance. Very happy that the weather was helpful for the bowlers. In every game you want more and you always search for a perfect game. Credit to them (Ireland) as well for keeping their nerves in a crisis,” Bumrah said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Credit to the NCA staff: Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah spent a considerable amount of time at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, recuperating from his injury. He remembered the fitness sessions over there and the practice matches he played that helped him get back to his best. The 29-year-old credited the staff at the NCA and mentioned his happiness after returning to the scene and contributing to the team’s cause.
“Felt very good. So many sessions I did at the NCA and the practice games. Didn’t feel like I missed out a lot or I’m doing something new so credit to the staff there. Very happy to be back and always good to contribute,” Bumrah said.
After being reduced to 59/6, Ireland fought back commendably thanks to a 57-run partnership between Curtis Campher and Barry McCarthy. The home side posted 139/7 in 20 overs. In reply, India got off to a sedate start as openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad took their time in the middle. Craig Young took a couple of wickets in an over to reduce India to 47/2 after 6.5 overs when rain stopped play. India were two runs ahead of the DLS par score and that proved to be enough, with no further play possible.