India captain Hardik Pandya acknowledged the batting prowess of Ireland’s young Harry Tector after Men in Blue’s seven-wicket win in the 1st T20I in Dublin on Sunday.
Tector scored an unbeaten 64 in Ireland's 108-4 in 12 overs in the rain-affected tie against India.
His strike rate of 193.93 was only bettered by Ishan Kishan (26 off 11 balls, S/R 236.36) and Pandya (24 off 12 balls, S/R 200).
Pandya, who was left in "awe" of the youngster, gifted him his bat and hoped the 22-year-old can get an IPL contract soon.
"He played some fantastic shots and obviously he's just 22 and I have given him a bat and maybe he can score some more sixes and get an IPL contract. I wish him luck and, you know, just look after him. Well, give him the right guidance. It's not always about cricket. It's about understanding your own lifestyle and understanding what is at stake."
Tector displayed a lot of composure as he smashed six fours and three maximums in his 33-ball innings.
"If you can manage that, I'm sure he's going to be around not just in the IPL, but in all the leagues in the world. Some of the shots Harry played had me in awe. Look forward to him developing and taking Irish cricket forward."
