India emerged victorious in the match, winning by two runs through the DLS method, with Bumrah being named the Player of the Match.
The Indian pacers displayed exceptional performance against Ireland in the first T20I at the Malahide Cricket Club Ground in Dublin. However, it was captain Jasprit Bumrah who set the tone right from the beginning. After being sidelined for almost 11 months due to a lower-back stress fracture, Bumrah made a remarkable comeback to international cricket. He bowled an outstanding first over, claiming the crucial wickets of Andrew Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker. Bumrah's brilliance continued in the 19th over, where he conceded only one run, finishing with impressive figures of 2/24 in four overs.
India emerged victorious in the match, winning by two runs through the DLS method, with Bumrah being named the Player of the Match. When asked about any nerves he may have had during his comeback, the experienced campaigner confidently stated that he wasn't really nervous. His focus remained on the entire team, as he took pride in being the leader of the side.
"Not really, when you are captaining you are thinking more about the whole team and not just your own performance. Very happy that the weather was helpful for the bowlers. In every game you want more and you always search for a perfect game. Credit to them (Ireland) as well for keeping their nerves in a crisis," Bumrah said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Bumrah dedicated a significant amount of time to his recovery at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. He fondly recalled the rigorous fitness sessions and practice matches that played a crucial role in restoring him to his peak performance. The 29-year-old expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the NCA staff and expressed his joy upon returning to the field and making valuable contributions to the team's success.
"Felt very good. So many sessions I did at the NCA and the practice games. Didn't feel like I missed out a lot or I'm doing something new so credit to the staff there. Very happy to be back and always good to contribute," Bumrah said.
After being reduced to 59/6, Ireland displayed commendable resilience, staging a remarkable comeback thanks to a formidable 57-run partnership between Curtis Campher and Barry McCarthy. The home side valiantly posted a total of 139/7 in a thrilling 20-over match.
In response, India began their innings with a cautious approach, as openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad meticulously built their innings. However, Craig Young's exceptional bowling prowess turned the tide in Ireland's favor, claiming two crucial wickets in a single over. This setback left India struggling at 47/2 after 6.5 overs when the heavens opened up, forcing a temporary halt in play.
At that moment, India held a mere two-run advantage over the DLS par score, which ultimately proved to be sufficient as the rain persisted, rendering any further play impossible.
READ| Sourav Ganguly gives savage reply to Shoaib Akhtar's 'retirement' suggestion for Virat Kohli post World Cup
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Image Source: Twitter")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}