'Felt like a finger spinner today': Yuzvendra Chahal on bowling in cold Dublin conditions

India won the rain-truncated first T20I against Ireland in Dublin thanks to quick runs from Deepak Hooda, Hardik Pandya, and Ishan Kishan while chasing 109 runs. But it was Yuzvendra Chahal's wily spell that kept the hosts in check in the first innings, which saw almost everyone getting hammered for runs.

Chahal, awarded the man of the match for his spell of 1 for 11 in 3, spoke about how different he felt while bowling under chilly conditions in Ireland.

According to ANI, Chahal said, "Very difficult (in these cold conditions). I felt like a finger spinner today (smiles). Sometimes it's hard but you have to adapt to every conditions."

Chahal also credited Pandya for giving him the freedom to bowl as per his understanding, saying, "He (Hardik) gave liberty to bowl whatever I want to bowl."

The leg-spinner also talked about how he is keeping up with the cold. "The atmosphere is pretty chilled. No, I'm not okay I'm wearing three sweaters right now." he concluded.

India won the toss and opted to bowl first under cloudy conditions that opened up soon after, which delayed the match by about two hours.

The match was revised to a 12-over-per-side game. Umran Malik made his international debut for India after an impressive IPL 2022.

Ireland got off to a poor start, reeling in 22 for 3 by the end of the first powerplay, courtesy of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Harry Tector's 64* run innings for the home side boosted Ireland's total to 108 for 4.

In reply, Hooda remained unbeaten on 47 off 29 balls, while skipper Pandya scored 24 from 12 to help India achieve the target in 9.2 overs.

Craig Young was the star bowler for the Irish side, claiming wickets of Kishan and Surya Kumar Yadav on back-to-back deliveries.

Both teams will take on each other in the second and final T20I on Tuesday (June 28) at the same venue.