Ireland destroyed captain Shreyas Iyer’s debut to seal a historic T20I win

Brief results: Ireland (182/9 in 20 overs) beat India (148 all out in 18.5 overs) by 34 runs at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast

IND vs IRE, 1st T20I: MAIN | SCORECARD

Shreyas Iyer had a tough start to his tenure as India’s T20I captain as the visitors slumped to a shock 34-run defeat against Ireland in the first T20I in Belfast on Friday. Chasing 183, India crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 148 in 18.5 overs, giving Ireland their first ever win over India in any format.

The potential debut of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was expected to be a day to remember. Even though it didn’t happen, it still turned into a historic event as Ireland achieved one of the biggest victories in their cricketing history.

Shreyas entered the series with big shoes to fill after replacing Suryakumar Yadav, who led India to a successful defense of the Men’s T20 World Cup title a few months ago. However, his captaincy got off to a disappointing start.

The right-hander also arrived in Belfast after a frustrating IPL campaign where Punjab Kings squandered a commanding position before crashing out of the tournament. The change of colors did not bring a change in fortune and Shreyas will now be under pressure to help India bounce back and level the series.

Meanwhile, Ireland have lost all eight of their previous T20Is against India. Despite missing several key players, including Paul Stirling and Mark Adair, they produced a spirited all-round performance to stun the reigning world champions and record a famous victory.

HARSHIT PEGS IRELAND BACK

After opting to bowl, India took control in the power bowl with a disciplined performance off the pace to reduce Ireland to 36 for three after six overs.

Harshit Rana, who returned to international cricket after missing the IPL and T20 World Cup due to a knee injury, looked sharp from the start. After conceding a few early boundaries, the right-handed paceman adjusted brilliantly, using odd bounces and subtle seam movements to harass the batsmen.

He removed Ross Adair with a flurry before dismissing the dangerous Tim Tector, who looked fluid, with a mistimed loft to mid-on. Harshit repeatedly beat the outside edge of Lorcan Tucker and Ben Calitz to end his opening spell with impressive figures of 3-0-18-2.

Arshdeep Singh complemented him superbly, rebounding from an expensive first power-play to dismiss Harry Tector and leave Ireland stranded in the power-play.

TUCKER, DELANY REVIVE IRELAND

After a disastrous start that saw them struggle, Ireland staged a remarkable recovery through captain Lorcan Tucker and Gareth Delany. Tucker endured a scrappy start, crawling to 13 from his first 20 deliveries before switching gears spectacularly.

He attacked the Indian bowlers and scored a brilliant half-century from just 35 balls to keep Ireland’s hopes alive. Delany provided the perfect support and survived a dropped catch for eight before making India pay dearly.

The all-rounder grew in confidence as the innings progressed, punishing whatever came loose and launching a stunning onslaught in the death overs, including three consecutive sixes off Prasidh Krishna.

Delany eventually fell for an incredible 49 off 32 balls, sorely short of a well-deserved half-century. Their counter-attacking partnership completely changed the face of the innings and laid the foundation for Ireland to post a competitive 182 for nine.

SUNDAR, PRASIDH BOJ

Prasidh Krishna and Washington Sundar endured difficult spells. Prasidh repeatedly attempted yorkers but several ended up in the slot, allowing the Irish batsmen to cash in. His final over proved particularly costly when he was crushed by Gareth Delany, with the pacer conceding 27 runs to finish with figures of 4-0-57-0.

Sundar also came under heavy fire. Introduced in the 16th over, the off-spinner conceded 19 runs, including a no-ball dispatched by George Dockrell for six, along with two boundaries that shifted the momentum firmly in Ireland’s favour. The 16th and 17th overs yielded 46 runs, helping Ireland dominate.

However, Harshit remained India’s outstanding bowler. Back for his second spell, he shuffled the pace smartly to dismiss a well-set Lorcan Tucker for 50 with a slower delivery that was pulled straight to deep mid-wicket. He finished with career best T20I figures of 4-0-24-3.

After conceding 26 runs in his first two overs, Axar Patel bounced back brilliantly by taking two wickets in his final over to prevent Ireland from finishing even stronger.

ABHISHEK GIVES INDIA TO AIR LAUNCH

India got their chase off to a flying start thanks to another breathtaking attack from Abhishek Sharma, who laid the perfect platform with a scintillating 20-ball 50. Even after Sanju Samson fell early, Abhishek kept the scoreboard ticking at a furious pace, smashing seven fours and two sixes as India raced to a powerplay 68.

However, wickets at the other end prevented India from taking complete control. Ishan Kishan endured a disappointing outing, managing just one run before he edged debutant Matt Hollard to wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker. Shreyas Iyer’s first innings as T20I captain also ended in disappointment as he struggled for fluency, scoring just three off seven balls before dropping Hollard straight to deep square leg.

Abhishek was particularly ruthless against Liam McCarthy, going 21 runs for one before bringing up his half-century in just 19 deliveries. It was the fifth time he had reached a T20I fifty in 20 balls or less, the most by any batsman from a full member nation.

However, Ireland found the breakthrough they desperately needed when McCarthy fooled Abhishek with an off-cutter, triggering a poorly timed drive that was safely caught at deep mid-wicket to give the hosts fresh hope.

More to follow….

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

26 Jun 2026 21:58 IST