Ireland claimed the most celebrated victory in their T20 history on 26 June, beating world champions India by 34 runs in the first T20 international of a two-match series at a sun-splashed Stormont in Belfast.
It was Ireland’s first senior international win over India in T20 cricket at the ninth attempt, and their first victory over them in any format across 12 matches. Debutants Jai Moondra and Matthew Hollard were the architects of a triumph that will live long in Irish cricket’s memory.
Ireland’s innings began shakily, losing four wickets for just 51 runs. But new captain Lorcan Tucker and Gareth Delaney steadied the ship with a superb fifth-wicket partnership. Delaney then added another crucial stand with George Dockrell to push Ireland to a competitive total.
Tucker top-scored with 50, while Delaney contributed 49. Tim Tector (17), Ross Adair (12), Ben Caless (15) and Dockrell (19) all chipped in as Ireland posted 182 for 9 from their 20 overs.
India, who chose to bowl first, made a blistering start in reply. Opener Abhishek Sharma struck 50 off just 20 balls and threatened to take the game away from the hosts before departing for 49. Once he fell, Ireland’s debutants took control.
Hollard finished with figures of 3 for 28 and Moondra, born in India, took 2 for 26 as the tourists collapsed around them. Shivam Dube tried to resurrect the chase with 25, while Tilak Varma made 19 and Akshar Patel 15, but no other batter reached double figures. India were bowled out for 148, falling 34 runs short.
Matthew Humphreys also claimed three wickets as Ireland’s bowling attack, despite being without several key bowlers through injury, proved more than a match for the world’s top-ranked T20 side.
More than 4,000 supporters packed Stormont for the occasion, many hoping to witness a historic debut from 15-year-old Indian batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. India ultimately held him in reserve, a decision that may be revisited ahead of the second match.
