Our Bureau
Belfast
Ireland produced a stunning performance to defeat reigning T20 world champions India by 34 runs in the opening match of the two-match T20I series at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Friday. The victory marked Ireland’s first-ever T20I win over India, giving the hosts a memorable start to the series.
Chasing a target of 183, India were bowled out for 148 after their batting lineup failed to maintain momentum despite a promising start. Abhishek Sharma provided early aggression with a quick 49, but Ireland’s bowlers kept striking at crucial moments to derail the chase. India lost wickets regularly and could not build the partnerships required to complete the run chase.
Earlier, Ireland recovered from early setbacks to post 182/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Lorcan Tucker played a crucial innings, scoring a composed half-century, while Gareth Delany added valuable runs to guide the hosts towards a competitive total. The pair’s partnership helped Ireland overcome pressure after losing wickets in the powerplay.
India captain Shreyas Iyer, who began his full-time T20I leadership role in the match, won the toss and opted to bowl first. The decision initially appeared effective as India’s bowlers reduced Ireland to a difficult position, but the hosts bounced back strongly in the middle overs.
Fast bowler Harshit Rana was among India’s standout performers with the ball, picking up important wickets and restricting Ireland’s scoring rate during key phases of the innings. However, India’s fielding and bowling execution slipped later, allowing Ireland to post a challenging total.
The match also attracted major attention due to the possible international debut of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old, who was included in India’s squad after impressive performances, was not selected in the playing XI, with the team deciding to wait before handing him his first cap.
Ireland’s historic win gives them a 1-0 lead in the series, while India will look to regroup and bounce back in the second T20I.
