Ireland scripted one of the biggest upsets in international cricket by defeating reigning T20 World Champions India by one run in the second T20 International at Stormont on Sunday, sealing a historic 2-0 series victory.
The memorable triumph ranks among the greatest achievements in Irish cricket, surpassing even some of the nation’s most celebrated victories, as the hosts humbled a star-studded Indian side featuring several IPL stars.
The architect of India’s batting collapse was Rajasthan-born software engineer Jai Moondra, who produced a sensational spell of 3 for 32. Moondra, who still holds an Indian passport, struck decisive early blows by dismissing Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma off successive first balls before removing captain Shreyas Iyer to leave India reeling.
Chasing a modest target of 155, India never recovered from the early collapse and finished at 153 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs, falling agonisingly short by a single run.
Tilak Varma fought a lone battle with a composed 55 off 46 balls, adapting well to the swinging and seaming conditions. In the closing stages, Harshit Rana smashed a quickfire 21 off just 10 deliveries to keep India’s hopes alive before being dismissed off the penultimate ball of the match.
Earlier, Ireland posted 154 for 8 after opting to bat. Harry Tector anchored the innings with 53, while Ben Calitz contributed a valuable 37. For India, Prince Yadav claimed 3 for 22, while Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Dube picked up two wickets each.
The defeat ended India’s remarkable streak of 16 consecutive T20I bilateral series victories, which had begun in mid-2023.
The loss also added to a series of disappointing milestones for the Indian men’s team under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Following a 0-3 home Test series whitewash against New Zealand in 2024 and India’s first ODI series defeat to New Zealand in early 2026, the latest setback against Ireland marks another low point for the team.
Ireland, meanwhile, celebrated a landmark achievement as they completed their first-ever T20I series win over India, showcasing disciplined bowling and determined batting throughout the two-match contest.
Brief Scores:
Ireland: 154/8 in 20 overs (Harry Tector 53, Ben Calitz 37; Prince Yadav 3/22, Arshdeep Singh 2/35, Shivam Dube 2/25).
India: 153/9 in 20 overs (Tilak Varma 55; Jai Moondra 3/32, Matt Hollard 3/26).
Ireland won by 1 run and clinched the two-match series 2-0.
