In the opening T20I of the current 2-match series in Dublin, which was hampered by rain, all-rounder Hardik Pandya guided India to a cosy 7-wicket victory over Ireland.
India beat Ireland 1-0 and remained unbeatable as they chased down a challenging 109 in just 9.2 overs in a 12-overs-per-side match.
Hardik led at the front and performed admirably with both the bat and the ball to get India’s T20I team off to the best possible start.
On Sunday (26th June) in Malahide, Hardik took a wicket and scored 24 runs off just 12 deliveries as India easily defeated Ireland.
As the first India men’s T20I captain to take a wicket in the shortest form of the game, Hardik Pandya set a new record and became the eighth player to captain India in men’s T20I cricket.
Hardik accomplished the feat when he bowled out Ireland’s opener player, Paul Stirling, in the game’s first over.
On Sunday, Hardik had a perfect day since he won the toss and chose to field. In the second over, the captain of the Gujarat Titans entered the fray and then sent back Stirling, who misplayed a lofted shot directly into the hands of mid-off fielder Deepak Hooda.
“It’s great to get the series started with a win, and we’re lucky to have got the match. It’s crucial for our team to get off to a winning start,” Hardik said following India’s victory in the first T20I.
Notably, after a strong start from Ishan Kishan, it was the perfect partnership of Hardik and Hooda who delivered for India with the bat.
As they eliminated Ireland from the game, Hardik and Hooda put together a 64-run partnership in just 31 balls.
For the first time in T20 cricket, Hooda, who was heating up the seats in during South Africa T20Is at home, was given the opportunity to open, and the all-rounder took full advantage of it by hitting an unbeaten 47 off 29 balls.
