‘A series win over India would be pretty special’: Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker fires warning after historic Belfast triumph | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Captain Ireland Lorcan Tucker set his sights on an even bigger prize after guiding his team to a historic first win over India in men’s international cricket, declaring that sealing a series victory 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 wrap up a famous series triumph at home had already ignited the dressing room.“Absolutely, yes. A series win at home against India would be pretty special,” Tucker said after the match. “I think the boys are absolutely looking forward to getting back here. The energy today was fabulous, the crowd was brilliant, so special.”
“We scratched and stayed in the game”
Tucker described the win as one of the finest moments in Irish cricket, especially considering it came against the two defending T20 World Cup champions.“It was pretty special. Credit to the kids,” 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 at the end.”READ ALSO: The world champions’ run strikes again as India suffer historic shock over IrelandIreland looked in trouble at 36 for 3 after India’s seamers made full use of the conditions, before Tucker settled the innings with a composed 50 from 36 deliveries.Reflecting on his crucial partnership with Gareth Delany, who made 49, Tucker praised India’s disciplined bowling before explaining how Ireland rebuilt their patience.“India bowled really well at the beginning. They stuck to their lengths and didn’t really wander. 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 earn praise from the captain
Tucker also reserved special praise for debutants Jai Moondra and Matt Hollard, whose combined five-wicket haul dismantled India’s batting line-up.“I think we learned a lot from how India bowled. We told the lads to hold on even at those lengths, and they showed their skill, accuracy and ability to execute plans. Absolute credit to them.”I would add 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 a credit to everyone involved in Cricket Ireland. Everyone works so hard, and results like this are why we did it.”India, led by new captain Shreyas Iyer, were bowled out for 148 after Ireland posted 182 for 9, leaving Tucker and his team just one win away from a landmark series triumph over one of world cricket’s biggest powers.
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