After his team’s nervy victory over Ireland in the second T20I in Dublin, India’s stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya explained why he gave the final over of the match to rookie pacer Umran Malik.

With 17 to defend in the last over, Malik, featuring in his second T20I, held his nerve to secure a four-run victory for the visitors.

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"(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," Hardik said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Earlier, Team India rode on Deepak Hooda’s maiden T20I century (104 off 57 balls) and Sanju Samson’s 42-ball 77 to post 225/7 on the board.

“The crowd was amazing. Their favourites boys were Dinesh and Sanju, great to see them enjoy them. Good for us to experience cricket in this part of the world too. Grateful to the fans,” Hardik said.

“Proud. As a child, it is everyone's dream to play the country. 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," he added.

With this victory, the Men in Blue clinched the T20I series 2-0. India’s next T20I assignment is part of the white-ball leg of the England tour, scheduled for next month.

(India Today inputs)