Ireland put up a fight but lose to India by two runs

Ireland fought back after early stutter before losing the rain-affected first T20 International against India by a slender margin of two runs at Malahide near Dublin, on Friday (August 18) night.

The match marked the return of pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah to competitive cricket from back injury and the stand-in India captain picked two wickets for 24 runs in four overs to help India start the game on a positive note.

Bumrah took two wickets in his first over as Ireland were reduced to 31/5 in the seventh over only.

But No. 8 Barry McCarthy (51 off 33; 4x4s, 4x6s) scored a half-century to lead them to a competitive 139/7 in 20 overs.

McCarthy (in pic) was ably supported by No. 5 batsman Curtis Campher, who hit 39 off 33 balls.  

Ireland were guilty of losing early wickets to poor shots.

In response, India started well but just as the Irish were getting back into the game with a couple of wickets, rain started pelting forcing the umpires to call off the players. India’s openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad had got off to a flying start, putting on 46 for the first wicket in just over six overs – India had scored 45/0 in the powerplay’s six overs.

However, the introduction of pace bowler Craig Young caused a flutter as he removed both the openers with his pace. Jaiswal was removed by one that climbed quickly whereas Tilak Varma was caught down the leg-side.

But before Young could bowl the last ball of his over, the players had to go off the field with India two runs ahead according to Duckworth/Lewis (D/L) method. The game couldn’t restart.

“It is always nice to contribute to the team. We are disappointed that we did not get a win,” said McCarthy after the match.

India captain Bumrah said that he was happy how he is returning from injury.

“I felt very good. I did not feel I missed out a lot or was doing something new [today] because of so many sessions I did at the NCA,” said Bumrah.  

He also said that India were lucky to win the toss and ask Ireland to bat in bowler-friendly conditions.

But he praised Ireland for the fight they put up.

“They played well after a crisis,” said Bumrah.

Ireland Cricket, India cricket, BCCI, Jasprit Bumrah, T20 cricket