India vs Ireland 2022: Hardik Pandya backs Umran Malik after an average debut | Cricket News – Times of India

DUBLIN: After registering a win over Ireland in his first match as India captain, Hardik Pandya backed his fellow teammate and debutant Umran Malik who couldn’t deliver in his maiden international outing.
Blistering knocks by Deepak Hooda and Hardik guided Team India to a seven-wicket over Ireland in a rain-curtailed first T20I of the two-match series, here at Malahide Cricket Club Ground.
Pacer Malik, who earned his debut cap on Sunday, had a forgetful outing as he conceded 14 runs in the single over he bowled and went wicketless.

“Great to start a series with a win. For us, as a team, it’s very important to start with a win. Quite happy with it,” said Hardik during the post-match presentation.
Talking about Malik, skipper Hardik felt the rookie pacer could be more effective with the old ball.
“He’s been fantastic for his (IPL) franchise (Sunrisers Hyderabad). But I felt, also had a chat with him, he’ll be more comfortable with the older ball,” the skipper said.
“Ireland batted fantastically. We had to go back to our main bowlers,” said Hardik, talking about Harry Tector who scored a blistering 33-ball 64 not out to take the hosts to 108/4 in a rain-curtailed 12-overs-a-side game
“Maybe in the next game he (Tector) will have a full chance. Some of the shots he played were mind-blowing.”

Chasing a competitive target, India’s Hooda smashed 47 runs off 29 balls while Hardik played a cameo of 24 off 12 balls, which took the visitors to a seven-wicket victory in 9.2 overs.
India now lead the two-match T20I series 1-0, with the second match scheduled for Tuesday.