IND vs IRE: Hardik Pandya’s Statement Regarding Why He Backed Umran Malik To Bowl The Last Crucial Over

Deepak Hooda hit a master-class maiden century as defeated Ireland by four runs in a nail-bitting high-scoring second T20 International to sweep the two-match series on Tuesday.

Earlier indian captain Hardik pandya won the toss and opted to bat first. India posted a big total of 225/7 was a story of the 176-run partnership for the second wicket between Sanju Samson and Deepak Hooda. Sanju Samson scored his maiden T20I fifty and got out on 77 in 42 balls with 9 fours and 4 sixes.

Hooda made his maiden T20I century in 55 balls, finishing on 104 with 9 fours and 6 sixes to his name. He became the fourth Indian to score a T20I ton after Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul.

Ireland took the chase to the last over with skipper Andy Balbirnie (60 off 37), Paul Stirling (40 off 18), Harry Tector (39 off 28) and George Dockrell (34 not out off 16) shinning bright but they eventually fell short as rookie India pacer Umran Malik defended 17 runs in the final over.

Hardik Pandya Explains Why he Backed Umran Malik to Bowl The Final Over

Pandya said he chose Umran to get the job done as it is tough for any batter to hit such a pace in pressure situation.

“Not worried to be honest. Wanted to keep pressure out of my equation, wanted to be in the present. I backed Umran since he has pace. With his pace, it’s difficult for people to hit,” Pandya said in the post-match presentation.

The Indian captain heaped praises on Ireland cricket team to make things difficult for them with their counter-attacking batting approach.

“I think we’ve come to play a game of cricket, so Ireland were going to show us what they have. Credit to them, they played amazing shots. At the same point of time, credit to our bowlers to cross the line,” he added

“(Final over) Not worried to be honest. Wanted to keep pressure out of my equation, wanted to be in the present. I backed Umran since he has pace. With his pace, its difficult for people to hit. I think we’ve come to play a game of cricket, so Ireland were going to show us what they have. Credit to them, they played amazing shots. At the same point of time, credit to our bowlers to cross the line. (Irish experience) The crowd was amazing. Their favourites boys were Dinesh and Sanju, great to see them enjoy them. Good for us to experience cricket in this part of the world too. Grateful to the fans. (New faces) Proud. As a child, it is everyone’s dream to play the country. At the same point of time, leading and getting first victory and now first series win is special. Also happy for Hooda as well, the way he batted. And Umran.”

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