Ireland Create History with Maiden T20I Series Win Over World Champions India

BELFAST: Ireland scripted history by defeating India by one run in a thrilling contest at the Civil Service Cricket Club on Sunday, securing their maiden T20I series triumph over the reigning T20 World Cup champions.

Chasing a target of 155, India fell agonisingly short and finished at 154-9 after their allotted 20 overs, handing Ireland a memorable 2-0 clean sweep in the two-match series.

India’s innings got off to a disastrous start as Ireland pacer Jai Moondra made an immediate impact. The India-born fast bowler dismissed both Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for ducks in the opening over, putting the visitors under early pressure.

With India struggling at 2-2, newly appointed captain Shreyas Iyer joined Ishan Kishan in an attempt to stabilise the innings. The pair added 18 runs before Moondra struck once again, removing Iyer for 10 in the fourth over.

India’s troubles deepened soon after as Kishan was run out, leaving the batting side in serious difficulty at 35-4.

Axar Patel and Tilak Varma then attempted to rebuild with a valuable 39-run stand for the fifth wicket. Their partnership guided India to 74 at the halfway stage, with 81 runs still needed from the final ten overs.

Matt Hollard eventually broke the resistance by dismissing Axar, who scored 14 from 18 deliveries. Tilak continued to fight and brought up an important half-century to keep India in contention.

However, his dismissal in the 18th over proved a major turning point as India slipped to 117-7. Harshit Rana later produced a quickfire cameo of 21 from only 10 balls to revive hopes, reducing the equation to 20 runs required from the final over.

The last over provided plenty of drama. Harry Tector began with a wide and a no-ball, giving India renewed hope. Despite the pressure, Tector maintained composure and restricted the batters at the crucial stage. Rana was dismissed on the penultimate delivery, while Prince Yadav’s six off the final ball was not enough to prevent defeat.

Moondra, who claimed six wickets across the two-match series, was named Player of the Series for his outstanding performances.

Earlier, Ireland posted 154-8 after being asked to bat first.

The hosts lost both openers inside the first three overs with the score at 21, but captain Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector steadied the innings through a partnership of 27 runs.

The innings gained momentum through a key 65-run partnership between Tector and Ben Calitz. Tector led the scoring with 53, while Calitz contributed 37 as Ireland crossed the 100-run mark.

George Dockrell added useful late runs with a brisk 19 off 14 deliveries, helping Ireland finish strongly.

For India, Prince Yadav was the standout bowler with figures of three wickets.