New Delhi: The Irish captain Lorcan Tucker has set his sights on a bigger prize after leading his team to India’s first-ever victory in international cricket, declaring the reigning T20 world champions “very special.”“Fresh from Ireland’s stunning 34-run victory in the T20 opener in Belfast on Friday, Tucker was careful not to get carried away but admitted that the chance to complete the win at home had already set the room alight.“Absolutely, yes. Back-to-back wins at home against India would be very special,” Tucker said after the match. “I think these guys are eager to get back here. The energy today was great, the crowd was smart, really special.”
‘We won and stayed in the game’
Tucker described the win as one of the best moments in Irish cricket, especially considering it came against the two-time defending T20 World Cup champions.“It was very special. Kudos to the boys,” he said. “We ended the game. We had some tough times in the game, but we stayed in it. We worked hard, we worked hard, and we had a chance to get the reward in the end.”ALSO READ: The curse of the international champions backfired as India suffered from Ireland’s recordIreland looked in trouble at 36 for 3 after the Indian skipper took advantage of the situation, before Tucker capped the innings with 50 from 36 deliveries.Reflecting on his important relationship with Gareth Delany, who exploded on 49, Tucker praised Indian bowling before explaining how Ireland have patiently rebuilt.“India bowled very well at the start. They kept their height and didn’t really waver. It looked like a Test match at one stage. But we tried to stay in the game, build a partnership, and then take our chances when they came.”
The players receive the praise of the captain
Tucker also reserved special praise for openers Jai Moondra and Matt Hollard, whose combined five-wicket haul ended the Indian batting line-up.“I think we learned a lot from the way India shot. We told the boys to keep the length, and they showed their skill, accuracy and planning skills.He said the results reflect years of hard work behind them.“To beat the world champions at home is very special. The first two were outstanding, and it’s a credit to everyone behind Cricket Ireland. Everyone works really hard, and the result is why we do it.”India, led by new captain Shreyas Iyer, were bowled out for 148 after Ireland were bowled out for 182 for 9, leaving Tucker and his team to win one of the most successful matches in world cricket.