Ireland Stuns India with Historic 34-Run Victory in First T20I in Belfast
Ireland now leads the two-match T20I series 1-0, with the second and final game scheduled for Sunday in Belfast.
The story
In a historic moment for Irish cricket, Ireland secured their first-ever victory against India in any format, defeating the reigning T20 world champions by 34 runs in the opening T20I in Belfast. India, led by new captain Shreyas Iyer, won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Civil Service Cricket Club.
Ireland, despite being 3-36 in the Powerplay, recovered strongly thanks to captain Lorcan Tucker's half-century (50 runs) and Gareth Delany's explosive 49 runs off 32 balls, posting a challenging total of 182/9 in their 20 overs. India's chase started brightly with Abhishek Sharma blasting 50 off just 20 balls, but the rest of the batting line-up struggled against an inspired Irish bowling attack. Debutants Matt Hollard (3/28) and Jai Moondra (2/25), along with Matthew Humphreys (3/38), dismantled the Indian innings, bowling them out for 148 in 18.5 overs. Harshit Rana was India's best bowler, taking 3/24.
Latest results
| Match | Format | Result | Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland vs India | T20I | Ireland won by 34 runs | Lorcan Tucker (50) & Matt Hollard (3/28) |
| England vs New Zealand | Test | Stumps Day 2: New Zealand 438, England 223/2 | Ben Duckett (113) |
| West Indies vs Sri Lanka | Test | Stumps Day 2: West Indies 271/5 | N/A |
Series in play
India tour of Ireland 2026. Ireland leads 1-0 in the two-match T20I series
England vs New Zealand Test Series. 3rd Test, Day 2, series level 1-1
West Indies vs Sri Lanka Test Series. 1st Test, Day 2
Tables that matter
| Competition | Position | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ICC World Test Championship (2025-2027) | 1. Australia (87.50 PCT), 2. South Africa (75.00 PCT), 6. India (48.15 PCT) | Teams ranked by percentage of points won, top two qualify for final. |
| ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings | 1. India (121 rating), 2. New Zealand (113 rating), 3. Australia (102 rating) | Current top three teams in One Day International cricket. |
| ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings | 1. India (275 rating), 2. England (262 rating), 3. Australia (260 rating) | Current top three teams in Twenty20 International cricket. |
What we'll be watching
- Ireland vs India, 2nd T20I, June 28, 2026, in Belfast.
- Day 3 of the 3rd Test between England and New Zealand on June 27, 2026.
- Day 3 of the 1st Test between West Indies and Sri Lanka on June 27, 2026.
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