Cricket-Pandya backs Malik to shine for India despite forgettable debut

FILE PHOTO: Cricket - ICC Men's T20 World Cup - Super 12 - Group 2 - India v Scotland - Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates - November 5, 2021 India's Hardik Pandya takes a catch to dismiss Scotland's Chris Greaves REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

(Reuters) - India captain Hardik Pandya has backed Umran Malik to make his mark on the international stage despite the fast bowler's nervous debut in the Twenty20 series against Ireland.

Opener Deepak Hooda scored an unbeaten 47 on Sunday as India hunted down 109 runs to take a seven-wicket win in a match reduced to 12 overs a side due to rain.