2nd T20I: 'I can't quite believe it, but absolutely incredible', says Tucker on historic win over India
Belfast, June 28
Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker said he 'can't quite believe' his team managed to get a stunning 2 0 series triumph over current T20 World Cup champions India, and praised the professionalism and commitment shown by his players in backing up their opening win with another spirited performance in the second game.
Riding on three-fors from pacers Jai Moondra and Matthew Hollard, Ireland backed up their 34-run win over India Friday by registering an epic one-run win in the second T20I. "I can't quite believe it, but absolutely incredible. I think I challenged the lads the other day to show the world that that wasn't a one off, that we could do it again, and we were able to do it today," Tucker said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Reflecting on the team's mindset after the emotional high of Friday's win, Tucker explained, "I think we were obviously on a massive high the other night, but I think I challenged the lads to try and, you know, fall down from those clouds, get back to the real world, and put in a performance, do their recovery yesterday.
"I think we rocked up with that same intent. I felt like we were professional, we were diligent in the work we did, and we showed that again today. It felt like we were able to close the game out. I think we showed that good cricket can be simple cricket, and it doesn't always have to be that complicated, and especially when you read the conditions well, that you can be effective and you can win games of cricket."
He acknowledged the impact of newer players Hollard and Moondra. "Sometimes it feels like we play in the shadows of international cricket, but I think we will be front page news after this, and that will be so, it's absolutely amazing.
"We have a lot of lads there who have very few caps between them, but I think they just showed that they do the work in the background, they know their own games well. Even when they come to the big stage like this, they can show up and they can perform, and we can beat the world's best."
Tucker also praised the fans for their support toward the team, as Ireland enters an exciting phase in its cricketing history. "Absolutely. I think I said it before the first game that we're so lucky to have these games against India. I think they're the most special, the crowd's absolutely amazing, so very lucky to have it, and we'd love to have it again."
"Absolutely great time to be a professional cricketer in Ireland, and even for all those kids that came to watch today, watched on TV, we hope we've given them something to strive for."
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm honestly shocked. India experimenting with new players is fine, but losing a series to Ireland? That too by 1 run! This is a wake-up call for our team management - you can't just rotate players and expect to win every time. But full credit to Hollard and Moondra - 3 wickets each is no joke. Cricket is growing globally and this is proof. 🌍🏏
Incredible scenes from Belfast! Tucker's captaincy has been top-notch. The way he spoke about challenging his team to show it wasn't a one-off - that's leadership right there. India might have fielded a second-string side, but beating any Indian team twice is fantastic for Irish cricket. The future looks bright ☘️
As an Indian, I'm proud that the game is growing. Ireland beating us fair and square - no excuses about weather or pitches. Tucker's point about 'simple cricket' is spot on. Sometimes we complicate things with too many tactics. But honestly, our bowling attack looked clueless in the death overs. Need to fix that before the World Cup. Good learning experience. 👍
What a turnaround for Irish cricket! I remember when they were minnows a decade ago. Tucker's words about 'playing in the shadows' really hit home. The way they backed up the first win shows real character. And those new players with few caps performing under pressure - that's how you build a team! Ireland's grassroots work is paying off. ☘️🏏
Honestly, I'm a bit worried about India's
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