Ireland Create History, Humble T20 World Champions India to Seal 2-0 Series Win

Ireland produced a stunning upset to defeat reigning T20 World Champions India by one run in the second T20I at Stormont on Sunday, sealing a historic 2-0 series victory and ending India’s long-standing dominance in bilateral T20I series.

The defeat also snapped India’s 16-series winning streak in T20 Internationals , which had remained intact since mid-2023, marking a significant setback for the visitors.

Chasing 155 , India were restricted to 153/9 in 20 overs , despite a fighting effort from Tilak Varma (55 off 46 balls) . India were rocked early and reduced to 19/3 , after Ireland’s bowlers struck in the powerplay and never allowed the chase to settle.

Ireland’s standout performer was Jai Moondra (3/32) , who delivered a decisive spell by removing Sanju Samson (0), Abhishek Sharma (0) and skipper Shreyas Iyer , putting India under immediate pressure. Sharp fielding, including a key catch by Matt Hollard, added to India’s troubles.

For India, Axar Patel and Tilak Varma attempted to rebuild the innings, but wickets at regular intervals stalled momentum. A late effort from Harshit Rana (21 off 10 balls) brought India close, but they fell short on the penultimate delivery , losing by a single run.

Earlier, Ireland posted 154/8 in 20 overs , with Harry Tector (53 off 47 balls) anchoring the innings and Ben Calitz (37 off 23 balls) providing vital support. The duo shared a crucial 65-run partnership after early wickets, helping Ireland reach a competitive total.

India’s bowlers kept the hosts in check, with Prince Yadav (3/22) impressing on debut. Shivam Dube (2/25) struck in a key double-wicket over, while Arshdeep Singh (2/35) and Harshit Rana (1/17) also contributed as Ireland were restricted below an expected par score.

Tector’s innings marked his ninth T20I fifty in his 100th international match , but Ireland’s batting remained under pressure due to consistent breakthroughs.

This win followed Ireland’s victory in the first T20I by 34 runs, giving them their first-ever series win over India in any format and one of the most remarkable results in Irish cricket history.