Hardik Pandya was an elated man as he began his India captaincy journey with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Ireland in the first T20I in Dublin on Sunday (June 26).

In a match reduced to 12 overs per side due to rain, the hosts posted 108/4 on the board after being asked to bat first. Harry Tector starred with the bat for Ireland, scoring 64 not out off 33 balls.

For India, Yuzvendra Chahal returned with impressive bowling figures of 1 for 11 in his three overs while Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1-16), Avesh Khan (1-22) and Hardik (1-26) claimed wicket apiece.

In reply, the visitors rode on Deepak Hooda’s 29-ball 47* and handy contributions from Ishan Kishan (26) and Pandya (24) to overhaul the target with 16 deliveries to spare.

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"Great to start the series with a win, fortunate we got a game. It is important for our team to start with a win,” Hardik said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

The stand-in captain also backed fast-bowling sensation Umran Malik, who conceded 14 runs in the only over he bowled on his international debut.

Hardik hoped that Umran will get another opportunity in the second T20I to prove his worth.

“Umran was kept back after I had a chat with him, he's more comfortable with the older ball and they batted fantastically. So hopefully he gets an opportunity,” he added.

Hardik Pandya also praised Ireland’s top scorer Harry Tector’s dazzling knock.

“Some of the shots Harry played had me in awe. Look forward to him developing and taking Irish cricket again," he remarked.

The second and final T20I will be played at the same venue on Tuesday (June 28).

(With India Today inputs)