Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Ireland stunned India with a 34 run victory in the first T20 international at Stormont in Belfast, securing their first ever win over the reigning world champions in any format. Ireland posted 9 for 182 after being sent in to bat before bowling India out for 148 with seven balls remaining, taking a 1 nil lead in the two match series.
The victory is one of the biggest in Irish cricket history, coming against an Indian side that won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup earlier this year after defending the title it claimed in 2024.
Captain Lorcan Tucker led Ireland's innings with a composed half century as the hosts recovered from 3 for 36 to build a competitive total.
Ireland's middle order combined effectively to guide the team to 182, giving the bowlers a total to defend on a good batting surface.
Debutants make immediate impact
India started brightly, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma taking 16 runs from the opening over.
However, Ireland's debutants quickly shifted the momentum.
Jai Moondra dismissed Samson with the first ball of his international career before fellow debutant Matt Hollard struck with his second delivery, removing Ishan Kishan.
Hollard added another key wicket when India captain Shreyas Iyer was caught by George Dockrell, reducing the visitors to 3 for 60.
Abhishek Sharma reached 50 but was caught on the boundary by Ben Calitz off Liam McCarthy, leaving India at 4 for 80.
Ireland finish strongly with the ball
India struggled to rebuild after losing regular wickets through the middle overs.
Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube all departed before the required run rate climbed beyond reach.
Moondra claimed another important wicket when he dismissed Dube after a quick innings of 25.
Axar Patel was then brilliantly caught on the boundary by Tim Tector off Gareth Delany as Ireland tightened its grip on the match.
Needing 45 runs from the final three overs, India could not produce the late surge required.
Harshit Rana was dropped before being dismissed on the following delivery, while Matthew Humphreys wrapped up the contest by taking the final wicket when Arshdeep Singh was caught in the deep.
Series continues on Sunday
India rested highly rated youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the opening match but will be eager to respond in the second and final T20 international.
Ireland, meanwhile, will look to complete a memorable series victory after recording one of the most significant wins in the nation's cricket history.
The second match will also be played at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Sunday.
