1st T20I, , December 23, 2021, 12:30 AM
188/6(20.0ov)
162/6(20.0ov)
USA beat Ireland by 26 runs
Right then. That's it from the coverage of this game. History has been created and USA would look to take the cup home. The wait is not a long one, as USA and Ireland will contest on 24th December, 2021 at 7.00 pm local (12.00 am GMT, next day). But as you all know, you can join us early for the build-up. Till then, take care and goodbye!
Gajanand Singh wins the Man of the Match award for his tremendous effort with the blade. He says that he knew his side was in trouble but he took the score out of his mind and played his natural game. Mentions that he has all the support he needs. Adds that Sushant is an excellent player as well. Tells that they only planned to score runs quickly and in the end, things worked out for them. Says that the fans have been awesome and hopes that they will pull out a performance like this in the next fixture as well.
Monank Patel, the skipper of USA, is in for a chat. He says, Gajanand Singh and Sushant Modani showed great character. Adds, they kept things simple and targeted the right bowlers in the end which benefitted them. Mentions, he stuck to has plan and worked really well today. Adds, Ali Khan spoke to him before the game and said he bowl yorkers and that’s what he did in the game which worked in their favour. Adds, they believe they can make it 2-0 in the series.
Andy Balbirnie, the Ireland skipper, is in for a chat. He says that they have to get better and hope they turn things around in the second T20I. Mentions that it was a good wicket to bat on and credits the USA for playing very well. Tells that they were off with the ball but they cannot afford it and will now put plans for the next game. Adds that Tucker played very well but they didn't execute their plans well and deserved to lose.
Stay tuned for the presentation...
Earlier in the innings, USA had a rocky start with the blade, but a good stand between Gajanand Singh and Sushant Modani alongwith some sheer hitting from Marty Kain in the end made sure they end with a mammoth total of 188 on the board. Their bowlers later did the job and snatched a crucial victory here.
Ali Khan surely set the tempo with the ball for USA, with his electrifying pace and an early wicket of the Irish skipper, Andy Balbirnie, surely gave the home side some hope. The spinners did well to maintain the pressure in the middle overs. Saurabh Netravalkar capitalized on it and bagged a brace. Nisarg Patel and Ali Khan also picked up a brace as well. The USA players never gave up in this game and showed great character throughout.
Not what Ireland had envisioned for themselves. Ireland kept losing wickets at regular intervals and the pressure got to them eventually. Tucker fought a lone battle in the middle, he started off slowly but got in his groove eventually, but he missed support from the other end. The run rate kept creeping up and Ireland crumbled to the pressure.
USA LEAD 1-0! Yes, you read that right! Don’t rub your eyes because the result won’t change. The land of hope and pride, they say. Cricket USA can see the glimmer of hope now, as this is their first victory against a Test nation. They were missing some big names coming into this game but the youngsters stepped up and made a statement to the world of cricket. Loud and clear!
In over# 20
6
2
1
2
1
1
Yasir Mohammad 35/0(4)
19.6
6
SIX! Too late for this now, isn't it? Length ball, on middle and leg. Mark Adair smacks it over deep square leg for a biggie. USA WIN BY 26 RUNS!
19.5
2
Good-length ball, outside off. Mark Adair guides it to third man for a couple of runs.
19.4
1
Full and on middle, nudged to mid-wicket for a single.
19.3
2
On off, pushed through point for a couple now.
19.2
1
Tad shorter, around the off pole. Mark Adair nudges it towards mid-wicket for a single.
19.1
1
Shorter this time, around middle and leg. Lorcan Tucker makes room, and cuts that to point for single.
In over# 19
1lb
6
1lb
0W
1
2
Ali Khan 30/2(4)
18.6
1lb
LEG BYE! Good-length delivery, on the pads. Lorcan Tucker misses his flick and the ball deflects onto the pads and rolls to short third man. Lorcan Tucker runs to the other end to steal a leg bye.
18.5
6
SIX! BOOM! A little too late for the sixes now, but that's a good shot! A short ball, wide of off. Lorcan Tucker stands tall and slashes it over deep point for a maximum.