(Cricket news) India defeated Ireland in the 1st T20I by 7 wickets with 16 balls to spare. There was a 2 hour 20 minute delay due to rain which caused the game to be cut down to 12 overs. Umran Malik was handed his debut cap as he took Harshal Patel's place purely because his raw pace would be effective in the conditions. As for Ireland, Conor Olphert made his international debut. Hardik Pandya won the toss and decided to bowl first.

Ireland in the first innings managed to get to 108/4 in 12 overs. Harry Tector was the star of the show as he hit 64 off 33 balls. His innings included 6 fours and 2 sixes as he took on the Indian bowlers. Keeper Lorcan Tucker provided decent support with his 18 off 16 balls. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal and Avesh Khan picked up a wicket each. Umran Malik's debut didn't go to plan as he got to bowl only 1 over which went for 14 runs. There was a lot of swing on offer but the Indians missed their lines a few times. Tector was the one man army for Ireland as he scored more than half of their runs. 

Chasing 109 runs in 12 overs, India opened with Ishan Kishan and Deepak Hooda because Ruturaj Gaikwad had a niggle. Kishan got off to a flying start as he scored 26 runs off just 11 balls. Hardik Pandya batting at number 4 hit 24 off 12 balls while Deepak Hooda was the star of the show. The replacement opener made an unbeaten 47 off 29 balls to lead his side to victory, hitting 6 fours and 2 sixes in his entertaining innings. As for Ireland Craig Young picked up two wickets while Josh Little got a scalp. India ended up chasing the target in 9.2 overs as Yuzvendra Chahal was named man of the match for his 1/11 in 3 overs. The next match on 29th June is also expected to be interrupted by rain but India do have the advantage and should win the series from this position.

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