‘Series win over India would be pretty special’: Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker warns after historic Belfast triumph

Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker celebrates a historic win with his teammates. (Image credit: Cricket Ireland) NEW DELHI: Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker has set his sights on an even bigger prize after leading his side to their first-ever win over India in men’s international cricket, saying sealing a series victory over the reigning T20 world champions would be “very special”.Fresh from Ireland’s stunning 34-run win in the opening T20I in Belfast on Friday, Tucker was careful not to get carried away but admitted the chance to wrap up a famous run at home had already ignited the dressing room.“Definitely. A series win at home against India would be pretty special,” Tucker said after the match. “I think the guys absolutely want to come back here. The energy was amazing today, the crowd was great, so special.”

“We lost and stayed in the game”

Tucker described the win as one of the finest moments in Irish cricket, especially considering it came against the two-time defending T20 World Champions.“It was pretty special. Credit goes to the boys,” he said. “We lost that game. We had some tough times in it, but we stayed in it. We were diligent, we worked hard and we were lucky to get rewarded in the end.”READ ALSO: The curse of the world champions struck again as India suffered a historic shock at the hands of IrelandIreland looked in trouble at 36 for 3 after the Indian sears took full advantage of the conditions before Tucker leveled the innings with a composed 50 off 36 deliveries.Reflecting on his crucial partnership with Gareth Delany, who scored 49, Tucker praised India’s disciplined bowling before explaining how Ireland had patiently rebuilt.“India played really well early on. They stuck to their lengths and didn’t really waver. It almost looked like a Test match at one stage. But we tried to stay in the game, build a partnership and then take our opportunities when they came.”

The debutants deserve the captain’s praise

Tucker also reserved special praise for debutants Jai Moondra and Matt Hollard, whose combined five-wicket haul dismantled India’s batting line-up.“I think we learned a lot from the way India bowled. We told the boys to stick to those lengths as well and they showed their skill, accuracy and ability to execute plans. Absolute credit.”He added that the result reflected years of hard work behind the scenes.“To beat the world champions at home is pretty special. The two debutants were outstanding but it’s also down to everyone behind the scenes at Cricket Ireland. Everyone works so hard and results like this are why we do it.”Led by new captain Shreyas Iyer, India were bowled out for 148 after Ireland posted 182 for 9, leaving Tucker and his team just one win away from a series triumph over one of world cricket’s biggest powers.