After months of debates and anticipation, India’s star fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has made a highly awaited comeback, much to the joy of fans. Bumrah not only resumed his bowling services but also made a significant impact by taking two early wickets. Adding to the excitement, newcomer Prasidh Krishna also returned to the white-ball format.
Bumrah’s initial blows left Ireland struggling in the first match of the T20I series. The home side found themselves at a precarious 59/6 within 10.3 overs. Despite a recovery effort led by Barry McCarthy (51* off 33 balls) and Curtis Campher (39 off 33 balls), Ireland managed to post a respectable total of 139/7 due to overcast conditions in Dublin.
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However, Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his skepticism about Ireland’s ability to compete against India’s formidable bowling trio, comprising Bumrah, Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh. Ashwin remarked on Twitter, “Last time India toured Ireland for T20s, the home side were more than competitive but this time I really doubt there would be a fight… This attack consisting of Arshdeep, Bumrah and Prasidh might just be too much to handle. #INDvsIRE.”
Last time India toured Ireland for T 20 s, the home side were more than competitive but this time I really doubt there would be a fight.
We won a game defending 225 by 4 runs last time!
This attack consisting of Arshdeep, Bumrah and Prasidh might just be too much to handle.…
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 18, 2023
In the rain-affected first T20I, Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah won the toss and elected to bowl first under overcast conditions in Dublin’s Malahide. Bumrah’s triumphant return saw him claim two wickets in his opening over, leaving the hosts in a vulnerable position.
Bumrah’s impact was immediate, with Andrew Balbirnie chopping the second ball onto his stumps, followed by Lorcan Tucker falling for a duck attempting a ramp shot. Debutant Prasidh Krishna contributed by taking his maiden T20I wicket, dismissing Harry Tector for 9 runs.
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Leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi also joined the party by getting rid of skipper Paul Sterling (11 runs). India’s run chase commenced promisingly as openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad started well. However, two quick wickets fell at a score of 46 before rain interrupted play. Currently at 47/2 after 6.5 overs, India needs 93 more runs to secure a lead in the series.
