Ireland batter Lorcan Tucker who captained the side against Pakistan in third T20I Paul Stirling's absence feels that the team’s recent performance is a big positive ahead of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies. Tucker said that the historic win over Babar Azam's Pakistan came at the right time and it gave the hosts a lot of confidence ahead of their T20 World Cup campaign opener against Rohit Sharma-led India.
“One victory alone was good. It would have been nice to win the series against Pakistan. But that one win has given us a lot of confidence.
“It will boost us ahead of the match on June 5 (against India). So, it has come at the right time,” Tucker said at the launch event of Karnataka-based diary major 'Nandini' who are also the team's sponsor for the mega tournament starting next month.
Tucker are placed in Group A alongside India, Canada, United States and Pakistan. Pakistan won the T20I series 2-1 after a shock five-wicket defeat in the first T20I. Tucker who scored two consecutive half-centuries in the series said that the top-order batters want to make the powerplay overs count.
“We were trying to make use of powerplay, so that there will be less pressure on us in the middle of the innings.
“But Pakistan showed their class, with a bit of defensive bowling. But we have learned a lot about them as opponents which will be handy for us in the World Cup,” he added.
Tri-series to prepare for World Cup
Before heading to the Americas, Ireland will play in a tri-series against Scotland and Netherlands. The 27-year-old is confident that it will help them prepare for the marquee event.
“Both Scotland and Netherlands are good teams and they have challenged us in the last 12 months or so. So, there is not much between the sides.
“We are aware that if we play good cricket then we can beat any side. We have showed that over the years in various formats,” the wicketkeeper-batter added.
The tri-series will begin on May 18 and end on May 24. Ireland will take on 2007 T20 World Cup champions India on June 5 in New York.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Rajasthan Royals become 2nd team to qualify for IPL 2024's playoffs after DC's 19-run against LSG
