Ireland legend Ed Joyce insists a famous 34-run victory over India is “really important” – and hopes it will result in one of world cricket’s biggest powerhouses returning to these shores once again in the near future.
In his first match since being appointed permanent T20 skipper, Lorcan Tucker led from the front with the bat for his side, top-scoring with 50 while Gareth Delany (49 from 32 deliveries) helped push the hosts up to 182/9.
India, who opted to go without 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, were reduced to 16/1 when Jai Moondra (2/25) struck with his first ball in international cricket, bowling Sanju Samson.
Abhishek Sharma (49) threatened to make Ireland sweat, striking nine of his 20 deliveries for boundaries, but the opener was then dismissed by Liam McCarthy in a welcome boost.
Ireland continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals – Matt Hollard (3/28) enjoyed a dream debut, collecting a maiden wicket with just his second delivery on the international stage.
Instonians spinner Matthew Humphreys (3/38) finished off the job and completed a famous win – Ireland’s first-ever Twenty20 victory over India, who are ranked number one in the world.
Tucker succeeded Paul Stirling as Ireland’s captain in the shortest format and believes it represents a “generational shift” for a young group of players.
“We would have had similar methods but different experiences of the game,” he said in his pre-series press conference. “I came through as a young guy in the Irish set-up, I never experienced County cricket so come at it from a different lens.
“I grew up with a lot of these lads who are now on the field, Stirlo came from a slightly older generation so maybe there is a slight generational shift.
“I learnt a lot from him, the experience he had, he has played a lot of international cricket so I’m very fortunate to have followed him as vice-captain for a long period.
“It was brilliant for me to learn from him and get those insights.”
Hollard and Moondra were drafted in due to injuries suffered by Mark Adair and Josh Little, and Joyce was delighted to see them seize their opportunity.
“I was super nervous because Ireland don’t get into these positions against top teams often,” said Joyce on BBC. “We get so few games and this men’s team perform so well when they don’t play in the same domestic structure other people have.
“To come out and play the way they have is brilliant. I thought they were very clever, the powerplay didn’t go to plan but Liam McCarthy’s two overs from the near end were crucial.
“The debutants Jai Moondra and Hollard were outstanding, so it’s really good to see.
“We don’t like seeing guys like Mark Adair and Josh Little being injured and not playing, but to see these other guys coming in and doing a great job is fantastic.”
Ireland have now played against New Zealand and India in recent weeks and Joyce hopes more of the elite will visit the nation.
“They are (hugely important),” he added. “Ireland men and women have had good results over the last few years and we shouldn’t forget that, but it’s really important we get results against these teams – India, England, Australia, the three big powers of the game.
“To be going out there and beating them is really important for us.
“This is a huge result, a first-ever win for Ireland’s men against India, and hopefully it means India will come back and play us lots more.
“We’d love an Irish team to go out and tour India as well, that would be fantastic.”
