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Hardik Pandya becomes first Indian captain to celebrate huge milestone, achieves unprecedented feat in 1st T20I vs IRE
Hardik, who enjoyed a stellar IPL season with Gujarat Titans, talked about India's convincing display in the rain-hit Twenty20 International.
Hardik Pandya got off to a winning start as India's captain after his team defeated Ireland by seven wickets in the first Twenty20 of the two-game series on Sunday. Harry Tector's counter-attacking 64 not out off 33 deliveries took Ireland to 108-4 after the rain reduced the game to 12 overs a side. India, in response, rode Ishan Kishan's 26 off 11 deliveries and Deepak Hooda's unbeaten 47. Hardik also chipped in with a 12-ball 24, helping the visiting team cruise to the win in 9.2 overs. (Also Read | Nehra explains why Deepak Hooda was picked over Sanju Samson in 1st T20I vs Ireland)
_1656290425377_1656290437673.jpg "Andrew Balbirnie of Ireland and Hardik Pandya of India (Getty Images)")
In a surprising move, Hooda opened with Ishan in place of Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was the team management's pick in all five Twenty20s against South Africa. Hooda found his rhythm after a lull start and put on a match-winning 64-run partnership with Hardik.
On the bowling front, Bhuvneshwar Kumar swung the ball both ways and returned impressive figures of 1/16 in three overs. Hardik got himself into the attack in the second over and it only took him two deliveries to remove Paul Stirling, who mistimed his shot to be caught at mid-off.
Hardik, who conceded 26 runs in his two overs, picked up just a single wicket but became the first Indian captain to achieve the feat. He is currently the only Indian skipper with a T20I wicket under his belt.
Hardik, who enjoyed a stellar IPL season with Gujarat Titans, talked about India's convincing display in the rain-hit Twenty20 International.
"Great to start the series with a win, fortunate we got a game. It is 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," Hardik said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
"So hopefully he gets an opportunity. Some of the shots Harry played had me in awe. Look forward to him developing and taking Irish cricket again," Hardik added.
Ireland and India are playing two games as preparation for the T20 World Cup in October. The second match will be played on Tuesday, also at Malahide.
