Ireland made history on Sunday as they defeated India by one run in the second and final T20I at Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast to register a historic first series win against the world champions.
The Irish side defended a modest total of 154 as India fell one run short despite a last-ball six by Prince Yadav and finished on 153-9 after 20 overs.
This is Ireland’s first-ever series win against India in any format and India’s first T20I series defeat in three years.
After winning the toss, India invited Ireland to bat first and the decision seemed correct as three Irish players were sent back to pavillion in 7.3 overs with scorecard reading 48/3.
On a pitch that played slow, Harry Tector and Benjamin Calitz stitched a 65-run partnership for the 4th wicket to help the hosts reach a fighting total of 154-8 in 20 overs.
Lorcan Tucker’s side, missing five first‑choice players, showed remarkable spirit to defend totals in both matches.
Jai Moondra and Matthew Hollard picking three wickets each helped Ireland in being the better bowling side across both games.
India had a disastrous start to the chase as Moondra dismissed openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for first‑ball ducks.
India were rattled further as skipper Shreyas Iyer chopped onto his stumps off Moondra for 10. Ishan Kishan attempted to rebuild alongside Tilak Varma, but a mix‑up resulted in his run‑out for 12.
At 39/4, India were in deep trouble, having lost four wickets inside the Powerplay for just the 13th time in T20Is. Vice-captain Varma, however, held his nerve.
Despite Varma’s resistance, the Indian middle order faltered under pressure, leaving Ireland to celebrate a famous triumph in front of a jubilant home crowd.
After Varma’s wicket in the 18th over, India once again found themselves on the backfoot but Harshit Rana cameo kept the game alive till second last ball.
With 20 runs needed off the final over, Rana got a boundary by evading the keeper on the free hit. Despite Tector giving two wides, he had the last laugh by having Rana caught at long-on.
Though Prince Yadav hit a last-ball six, it wasn’t enough to stop the result from going in Ireland’s favour.
Brief Scores: Ireland 154/8 in 20 overs (Harry Tector 53, Ben Calitz 37; Prince Yadav 3-22, Shivam Dube 2-25) beat India 153/9 in 20 overs (Tilak Varma 55, Harshit Rana 21; Matthew Hollard 3-26, Jai Moondra 3-32) by one run
(With agency inputs)