Belfast, June 28 (IANS) Ireland left-arm pacer Jai Moondra described his maiden international outing in the T20I series opener against India as an ‘unreal feeling’ and credited his teammates and coaches for helping him stick to the team’s plans. Moondra’s figures of 2-25 helped Ireland beat India by 34 runs and get their first win over the T20 World Cup champions for the first time in international cricket.

“It was an amazing feeling going out, stepping on international platform, testing yourself against the best in the world. And it was unreal feeling. Can’t describe in one word, but it’s a different feeling, and have taken it in my book,” Moondra said in a chat with broadcasters ahead of the second T20I on Sunday.

Asked on what worked well for him, Moondra replied, “Well, I probably would say the team plan, what they have been given to me and what they were telling me. It’s more credit to the lads and the coaches that have been training with me, giving that to execute the plan, whatever the outcome. Just stick to your plan, your basics, and what you have been working. Just trust on that.”

Born and bred in Tonk, Rajasthan, Moondra moved to Ireland in 2021 to study for a master’s degree in electronics and communication and turned out for Leinster Cricket Club domestically while working for Intel in Dublin. Though his work visa status is nearing its expiry and isn’t covered by a central contract, Moondra has done enough to be a worthy long-term investment in Ireland’s set-up.

“Well, after Friday, had a good rest and reset day. And for today, just going with same. Don’t try to change anything. Just adapt to the situation, read. International platform is a tricky one. You can have a one day up and down. So just adapt to the situations and do what team is suggesting,” he concluded.

–IANS

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