IRE vs IND | Hardik Pandya reveals reason behind backing Umran Malik for the final over

Ireland gave India a run for their money in the second T20I on Tuesday. The visitors batted first, and put on 225 runs on the board. It was a spirited batting display from Ireland, who fell short by just four runs towards the end. Indian skipper Hardik Pandya was relieved after completing a clean sweep over Andrew Balbirnie's men.

Indian starlet, Umran Malik was handed his T20I debut in the preceding fixture. The 22-year-old was given the responsibility of bowling the crucial final over, with 17 runs to play around with. A few eyebrows were raised when Hardik Pandya decided to hand the final over to the inexperienced Jammu-based pacer. The skipper also had a couple of overs left, and could have taken charge instead.

Hardik Pandya explained the rationale behind bestowing the responsibility on Umran Malik. The decision did prove to be a correct one, as the youngster repaid his captain's faith in him. After a poor start to the over, Malik pulled back things in the last three balls, which included a perfect yorker off the penultimate delivery.

Hardik Pandya stated that he wanted to avoid the pressure in the final over and trusted the sheer pace of Umran Malik could do the trick. 

"(Final over) Not worried, to be honest. Wanted to keep pressure out of my equation, wanted to be in the present. I backed Umran since he has pace. With his pace, it's difficult for people to hit. I think we've come to play a game of cricket, so Ireland were going to show us what they have. 

Credit to them; they played amazing shots. At the same point of time, credit to our bowlers to cross the line. (Irish experience) The crowd was amazing," said Hardik Pandya.

Hardik Pandya added that he was happy for the likes of Deepak Hooda and Umran Malik. The former smashed a ton in the second T20I, unleashing his absolute best against a helpless Irish bowling attack. Meanwhile, Umran Malik has proved that he is more than capable of handling the pressure in his first International assignment.

"At the same point of time, leading and getting first victory and now first series win is special. Also happy for Hooda as well, the way he batted. And Umran,” added Hardik Pandya.