Ireland Stun India for Historic First International Cricket Victory

Ireland registered their first-ever international cricket victory over India with a 34-run win in the opening T20I in Belfast, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Chasing 183, India made a flying start through Abhishek Sharma, who smashed a 19-ball half-century with seven fours and two sixes before falling for 50 in the eighth over.

After Sharma’s dismissal, Ireland’s bowlers triggered a dramatic collapse. Debutant Matt Hollard claimed three key wickets, including Ishan Kishan, captain Shreyas Iyer and Washington Sundar, while fellow debutant Jai Moondra picked up two wickets and broke a crucial partnership between Shivam Dube and Axar Patel. India were bowled out for 148 in 18.5 overs, suffering their first T20 defeat since winning the World Cup in March.

Earlier, Ireland posted a competitive 182, thanks to a half-century from captain Lorcan Tucker and a valuable 49 from Gareth Delany. Tucker praised his team’s resilience after the match, while India skipper Shreyas Iyer said the team would aim to bounce back in the second and final T20 on Sunday.