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Indian Cricket Team (Source: Twitter)
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India grabbed a 1-0 lead in the three-match T-20 series against Ireland by winning the first game by a two-run margin with the DLS system.
On his much-anticipated return, pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah checked all the boxes, leading India to a two-run win over Ireland by DLS Method in the opening T20I of the three-match series here on Friday. Bumrah led the side back from an 11-month injury layoff, taking 2 for 24 with nine dot balls and forming a powerful partnership with T20I rookie Prasidh Krishna (2/32) to restrict Ireland to 139 for 7 after deciding to bowl.
Chasing a tricky target of 139 in cloudy conditions, India got off to a quick start, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (24; 23b) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (19 not out) putting on 46 runs in 6.2 overs. There was no stopping the rain, therefore the game was called off at 6.15 p.m. local time, giving India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. As a result, India has taken an early 1-0 lead in the series with two games remaining. The series' second game will now be played at the same location (The Village Stadium) on Sunday, August 20.
Fans applauded Ruthuraj Gaikwad for his selflessness
Fans praised Gaikwad's performance against Ireland and shared their thoughts on Twitter(X). A delivery from Joshua Little glanced off Yashasvi Jaiswal's thigh-pad towards a short fine leg on the third ball of the second over, as the two betters elected to race for a single.
Gaikwad, on the other hand, came to a halt halfway through and began sprinting back to the non-striker's end. Jaiswal kept rushing, and the two batters were soon at the same end. Following a mix-up by Ireland's fielders, it was Gaikwad who went to the dangerous end without hesitation, capturing the attention of the spectators, who praised him on social media for his selfless nature. And the majority of fans were thrilled by his consistency across all game forms.
Here is how fans reacted:
By the barest of the margin
— M (@anngrypakiistan) August 18, 2023
~Brian Lara🎙️:-
— 🦅 (@Hustler4CSK) August 19, 2023
"Ruturaj shows that you can play good cricket shots and still score big runs. And that’s what I am proud of as a batsman.
It's treat to watch him bat,I will put him in the KL Rahul category"
#INDvsIRE pic.twitter.com/Eg0HlE7Hzu
Another day of realising that Ruturaj is the most matured gen Z cricketer and India is blessed to have him.😉❤️#INDvsIRE #RuturajGaikwad pic.twitter.com/msxgYyhToo
— 🦅 (@Hustler4CSK) August 19, 2023
Bumrah captaincy 🔥
— Introvert //🙇🏻♂️ (@introvert_hu_ji) August 18, 2023
Rain saved ire from Rinku and rutu
— Curious being (@KILLERF01668717) August 18, 2023
Imagine winning against Ireland because of rain 🤣
— Reyhan (@desi_boiiiiii) August 18, 2023
Rain gods to wateraj😭😂 pic.twitter.com/GS8D5Jyt49
— Who cares? (@Retired__hurt) August 18, 2023