India’s new T20I era under Shreyas Iyer began with a setback as Ireland registered a historic 34-run victory in the opening match of the two-match series in Belfast on Friday. Chasing 183 for victory, the visitors struggled throughout the innings and were bowled out well short of the target despite a fighting effort from Abhishek Sharma.
Ireland post challenging total
Asked to bat first, Ireland recovered from early setbacks to post 182/9 in 20 overs. Their batters chipped in with useful contributions, while the lower order added valuable runs in the final overs to lift the total past the 180-mark.
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India’s bowlers had their moments but failed to contain the scoring rate.
🚨 HISTORY CREATED BY IRELAND! 🇮🇪🔥
— Farhan Majeed (@MBilawalMajeed) June 26, 2026
Ireland have defeated India for the very first time in international cricket! 🤯
After never beating India in either ODIs or T20Is, they've finally broken the streak with a famous victory. 👏🏏#INDvsIRE pic.twitter.com/H116FnZtPE
Harshit Rana impressed with the ball, but Ireland capitalised in the death overs to finish with a total that proved more than enough on a lively surface.
India falter in the chase
India never settled in the chase as wickets fell at regular intervals. Abhishek Sharma played the lone significant knock, bringing up a brisk half-century to keep India’s hopes alive, but the lack of support from the other end made the target increasingly difficult.
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The middle order failed to build partnerships, while Ireland’s bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths to keep the pressure on. The hosts wrapped up the innings with 34 runs to spare, sealing their first-ever T20I victory over India.
Historic win for Ireland
The victory marked one of the biggest moments in Ireland’s cricket history and gave them a 1-0 lead in the series. Their bowlers and fielders backed up the batting effort with a composed display under pressure.
For India, the defeat exposed shortcomings with both bat and ball in Shreyas Iyer’s first match as captain. The visitors will now aim to bounce back in the second and final T20I to avoid a series defeat.
