Dublin, Aug 19: India defeated Ireland by two runs via DLS method in first T20I to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series here on Friday. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah made a splendid comeback as India restricted Ireland to a below par 139 for seven. The visitors were then 47 for two in 6.5 overs, ahead of Ireland by two runs in DLS par score when rain stopped play. Chasing 140, Yashasvi Jaiswal (24; 23b) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (19 not out) putting together 46 runs in 6.2 overs. Gaikwad and Sanju Samson (1) were at the crease when heavens opened up. Earlier, leading the side on his comeback after a 11-month layoff, Bumrah claimed 2/24. Fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna (2/32) and spinner Ravi Bishnoi (2/23) also bagged two wickets each. Ireland were 59/6 inside 11 overs before Barry McCarthy propped the total in the death overs with a well-crafted 33-ball 51 not out (4×4, 4×6).
Jasprit Bumrah | India captain and Player of the Match: 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. You are not thinking about yourself, you are thinking about others out there. Not really nervous but very happy. 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, they played well, credit where it is due. Even when you win, there are areas to improve on. Everybody is very confident, they are very well prepared. I think the IPL also helps. It is always good, wherever we go, they support us, that helps us to keep the spirit high.
Barry McCarthy: It is always good contribute to the team, disappointed that we didn’t get a win. (On his partnership with Campher) We knew we had to get a good score on the board. We were enforcing ourselves and playing strong shots. In the second innings there was a little bit in the wicket. It’s important to take the game to the opposition. It’s always nice to contribute to the team.
