Rain-disrupted match ends in India's favour, get 2-run victory (DLS) over Ireland

The two sides will meet again at the same venue on Sunday (August 20) to play the T20I match.

India vs Ireland

Following discussions among the umpires, as well as involving Jasprit Bumrah and Paul Stirling, the first T20I match came to an early end due to rain. Although the excitement for a captivating contest was curtailed, India emerged victorious, narrowly defeating Ireland by a margin of 2 runs through the application of the DLS method. With this, the Men in Blue have taken a 1-0 lead in the 3-match T20I series.

As for the clash, in the early stages, wickets tumbled in quick succession, initiated by skipper Jasprit Bumrah's efforts. However, a change of fortune unfolded as an impressive 60-run partnership flourished between Barry McCarthy and Curtis Campher. Their collaboration not only restored Ireland's pride but also established a resilient first-innings total.

READ | Ireland's Barry McCarthy wins hearts of Indian cricket fans with maiden T20I 50

Jasprit Bumrah's return yielded swift results with the capture of two wickets in the opening over. Prasidh Krishna who also made his comeback, capitalized on Ireland's sporadic shot selection and secured two dismissals.

Bishnoi's googlies presented a challenge, contributing to the downfall of the Irish skipper and Mark Adair. As the hosts struggled at 59/6 until the duo of Campher and McCarthy embarked on a remarkable recovery. McCarthy's robust hitting propelled Ireland to a total of 139 runs, yielding his personal best score of 51*.

The second innings witnessed Irish new-ball bowlers infusing movement into the ball. Yet, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad balanced caution with aggression and played some eye-catching strokes. They orchestrated a strong powerplay, although a mix-up between them briefly unsettled their rhythm. Ireland's fielding lapses saved the batsmen's wickets.

However, the partnership dissolved when Craig Young entered the scene just after the powerplay, swiftly taking two wickets in as many balls — removing Jaiswal (24) and Tilak Varma (0).

Unfortunately, rain intervened at this juncture, prompting the players to exit the field with India two runs ahead according to the DLS method. The two sides will meet again at the same venue on Sunday (August 20) to play the T20I match.

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