Ireland Stun India to Script Historic First-ever Men’s International Win

Ireland created history with a memorable 34-run victory over India in the opening T20I at Stormont in Belfast on Friday, 26 June. It was Ireland’s first-ever win over the Indian men’s team in any international format, ending India’s unbeaten record in the rivalry.

Asked to bat first, Ireland recovered well after early setbacks to post a competitive 182 for 9. Captain Lorcan Tucker led from the front with a fluent 50 off 36 balls, while Gareth Delany changed the game in the closing overs with a powerful 49 from just 32 deliveries.

Delany’s assault against Prasidh Krishna proved decisive as he smashed 27 runs in a single over, lifting Ireland beyond the 180-run mark after they had looked set for a lower total.

India began the chase in explosive fashion thanks to Abhishek Sharma. The left-hander blasted a stunning half-century off only 19 balls and looked set to take the game away from the hosts. However, once Abhishek was dismissed, Ireland’s debutants turned the match on its head.

Debutants Steal the Show

Making his T20I debut, Matt Hollard delivered a dream performance. The pacer claimed 3 for 28 and removed key batters Ishan Kishan, captain Shreyas Iyer and Washington Sundar. His brilliant spell earned him the Player of the Match award.

India-born fast bowler Jai Moondra also enjoyed a debut to remember. Bowling at speeds touching 88 mph, he clean bowled Sanju Samson with the very first ball of his international career. Moondra finished with impressive figures of 2 for 25 and kept India’s middle order under constant pressure.

Spinner Matthew Humphreys completed India’s collapse with 3 for 38. He picked up the final wicket in the 19th over as India were bowled out for 148, sparking wild celebrations among the home crowd in Belfast.

The defeat also spoiled Shreyas Iyer’s first match as India’s T20I captain. Despite Abhishek Sharma’s explosive start, the visitors lost wickets regularly and never recovered after the powerplay.

The victory gives Ireland a 1-0 lead in the two-match T20I series and stands as one of the biggest wins in the country’s cricket history. It also highlights the growing depth in Irish cricket, with three relatively unknown debutants combining to outplay a strong Indian side.

Both teams will return to the same venue for the second and final T20I on Sunday, 28 June, where India will look to level the series while Ireland aim to complete a famous series victory.