Due to delay in the start to the game because of rain, the first T20I between Ireland and India was reduced to 12 overs per side. Batting first, the hosts did a decent job, putting up 108 runs in 12 overs. However, it was a largely one-man show as 64 of the 108 runs were scored by Harry Tector alone. India debutant Umran Malik was not able to grab the opportunity with both hands, as he leaked 14 runs in his first over in international cricket, after which captain Hardik Pandya did not give him the ball again. Yuzvendra Chahal, meanwhile, was India’s most economical bowler, having conceded only 11 runs in three overs. Chahal also picked up a wicket.
Chasing 110 runs to win, India got off to a good start. Deepak Hooda was promoted as an opener alongside regular opener Ishan Kishan. Hooda scored an unbeaten 47 off 29 balls while Kishan hit 26 off 11. Suryakumar Yadav, who was playing his first match since being injured in the IPL 2022, was dismissed for a duck while skipper Hardik Pandya continued with the good form that he has been in over the last three months, hitting 24 off 12 at a strike rate of 200. India wrapped up the chase in 9.2 overs.
"Great to start the series with a win, fortunately we got a game. Important for our team to start with a win. Umran was kept back after I had a chat with him, he's more comfortable with the older ball and they batted fantastically. So, I hope he gets an opportunity. Some of the shots Harry (Tector) played had me in awe. Look forward to him developing and taking Irish cricket again,” Pandya said after winning the game.
