Ireland created history by defeating India by just one run in the second T20I in Belfast, securing their first ever T20I series win over the reigning T20 World Cup champions. The thrilling victory completed a 2 0 series triumph and marked one of the biggest achievements in Irish cricket history.
After choosing to bat first, Ireland posted a competitive 154 for 8 in their 20 overs. Harry Tector anchored the innings with a well compiled 53 runs off 47 balls, striking five boundaries and a six. Ben Calitz provided valuable support with a quickfire 37 off 23 deliveries, helping Ireland recover after losing early wickets.
India’s bowlers kept the hosts under pressure throughout the innings. Prince Yadav impressed on debut by claiming three wickets for 22 runs, while Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh picked up two wickets each to restrict Ireland to a chaseable total.
In reply, India’s batting struggled from the very beginning. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson were both dismissed for first ball ducks, while debutant Suryansh Shedge managed only one run. Those early setbacks put India under immense pressure for the remainder of the chase.
Tilak Varma fought hard with a determined 55 off 46 balls, keeping India’s hopes alive despite wickets falling regularly at the other end. Shivam Dube added a useful 20, while Harshit Rana produced a late counterattack with 21 runs from just 10 deliveries. However, Rana was dismissed while attempting a match winning six with India needing eight runs from the final two balls.
Although Prince Yadav struck a six off the last delivery, India finished on 153 for 9, falling agonisingly short by just one run.
Ireland’s bowling attack was led brilliantly by Jai Moondra and Matthew Hollard, who claimed three wickets each and dismantled India’s batting order. The victory also handed India their first bilateral T20I series defeat since 2023 and their first T20I series loss against Ireland, making it a memorable occasion for the hosts.
