NEW DELHI: Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker has set his sights on an even bigger reward after leading his side to a historic first win over India in men’s international cricket, declaring that to seal a run of victories over the reigning T20 world champions would be “pretty special”.“Fresh from Ireland’s stunning 34-run win in the opening T20I in Belfast on Friday, Tucker was careful not to get carried away but admitted the chance to complete a famous series triumph at home had already set the dressing room on fire.“Absolutely, yes. A series win at home against India would be pretty special,” Tucker said after the match. “I think the lads absolutely want to come back here. The energy was fantastic today, the crowd was brilliant, so special.”
‘We pushed through and stayed in the game’
Tucker described the victory as one of the finest moments in Irish cricket, especially considering it came against the two-time defending T20 World Cup champions.“It was pretty special. Kudos to the boys,” he said. “We pushed through that game. We had tough periods in it, but we stayed in it. We were diligent, we worked hard and we were lucky to get the reward in the end.”READ ALSO: The curse of world champions strikes again as India suffer a historic shock in IrelandIreland looked in trouble at 36 for 3 after India’s seamers took full advantage of the conditions, before Tucker anchored the innings with 50 off 36 deliveries.Reflecting on his crucial partnership with Gareth Delany, who blasted 49, Tucker praised India’s disciplined bowling before explaining how Ireland patiently rebuilt.“India bowled really well early on. They stuck to their length and didn’t really waver. It almost felt like a test match at one stage. But we tried to stay in the game, build a partnership and then take our opportunities when they came.”
The debutants deserve the captain’s praise
Tucker also had special praise for debutants Jai Moondra and Matt Hollard, whose combined five-wicket haul decimated India’s batting line-up.“I think we learned a lot from the way India bowled. We told the guys to stick to that length as well and they showed their skill, accuracy and ability to execute plans. Credit to them.”He added that the result reflects years of hard work behind the scenes.“To beat the world champions at home is pretty special. The two debutants were outstanding but it’s also down to everyone behind the scenes at Cricket Ireland. Everyone works so hard and results like this are why we do it.”India, led by new captain Shreyas Iyer, were bowled out for 148 after Ireland posted 182 for 9, leaving Tucker and his side just one win away from a landmark series triumph over one of world cricket’s biggest powers.
