Debutant seamer Matthew Hollard delivered a match-winning performance, claiming 3/28 and earning the Player of the Match award on his T20I debut against world champions India in Belfast. His efforts helped Ireland secure their first-ever international victory over India, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match bilateral series.
Hollard's stunning debut figures
Bowling first after Ireland posted 183, Hollard struck with his second delivery in international cricket, dismissing Ishan Kishan via a brilliant high catch by wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker. He followed up by removing Shreyas Iyer and Washington Sundar in his next two overs, restricting India to 148 all out.
Hollard became only the second Irish player to win a Player of the Match award on T20I debut, after Andre Botha (38 runs and 3/18 against Scotland in 2008). His 3/28 is the second-best bowling figures by an Irish player against India in T20Is.
'A dream come true'
Speaking about his debut, Hollard said: "In all honesty, I never expected this. I always knew I had it, but to have a debut against India, it's honestly a dream come true. I couldn't have asked for anything better."
He added: "My family they've flown out from Johannesburg to come and visit me. It's actually just... It's still a bit of a dream right now, in all honesty."
Emotional first wicket
Reflecting on his first wicket, Hollard said: "It's actually funny. After that first ball, I turned to Harry, and I said, 'The first one's done.' And as soon as that ball went up, I honestly stopped breathing for a minute. And then as soon as Lorcan took it, all the emotions sort of just exploded out of me. It was really, really, really special."
Journey from South Africa to Ireland
The 27-year-old pacer, raised in Boksburg, South Africa, shared his journey to representing Ireland: "I've really been wanting to come over to Ireland since 2019. Then COVID hit, and there were a lot of complications. A lot of things happened that were a bit of a setback for me. My brother came first, and then he said, 'You have to come now.' And he pulled me over here. And ever since then, Cricket Ireland has just treated me unbelievably well. They've backed me, and I'm just extremely grateful for them, in all honesty."
Historic win for Ireland
With this win, Ireland became the 11th team to beat India in internationals. India are the eighth Full Member side Ireland have beaten in internationals; only Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka remain unbeaten by the Irish side.
Hollard also made history as the first player from Balbriggan Cricket Club to represent Ireland. He thanked the club: "Honestly, you guys never knew who I was, what I did, where I came from. You guys have allowed me to come over here and play cricket. So, Balbriggan, everyone there, thank you for the support, and just thank you. Thanks for the journey."
Family support and message back home
On having his family present for his debut, Hollard said: "I haven't seen them in a while, and having them over here, it's honestly just... nothing could be better right now. Them seeing me receive my cap and them cheering me from the side there, it's... yeah, it's unbelievable."
He sent a message to those back home: "To my family back home, I know all the boys are watching there, all the cousins, thank you. I know you're supporting, and thanks for the messages. They're drinking brandy, and I really know it's going down there. So, yeah, thank you."
