NEW DELHI: Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker has set his sights on an even bigger prize after guiding his side to a historic first-ever victory over India in men’s international cricket, declaring that sealing a series win over the reigning T20 world champions would be “pretty special.“Fresh from Ireland’s stunning 34-run victory in the opening T20I in Belfast on Friday, Tucker was careful not to get carried away but admitted the opportunity to wrap up a famous series triumph at home had already ignited the dressing room.“Absolutely, yeah. A series win at home against India would be pretty special,” Tucker said after the match. “I think the lads are absolutely keen to get back here. The energy today was fabulous, the crowd were brilliant, so special.”
‘We scrapped 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. Credit to the lads,” he said. “We scrapped through that game. We had some 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.”ALSO READ: World champions’ curse strikes again as India suffer historic Ireland shockIreland looked in trouble at 36 for 3 after India’s seamers made full use of the conditions, before Tucker steadied the innings with a composed 50 from 36 deliveries.Reflecting on his crucial partnership with Gareth Delany, who blasted 49, Tucker praised India’s disciplined bowling before explaining how Ireland rebuilt patiently.“India bowled really well at the start. They stuck to their lengths 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.”
Debutants earn captain’s praise
Tucker also reserved special praise for debutants Jai Moondra and Matt Hollard, whose combined five wickets dismantled India’s batting line-up.“I think we learned a lot from how India bowled. We told the lads to stick to those lengths as well, and they showed their skill, accuracy and ability to execute the plans. Absolute credit to them.”He added that the result reflected 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 a credit 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.
