Ireland Stun India by 34 Runs in Historic Belfast T20I

In what will go down as one of the greatest nights in Irish cricket history, Ireland defied the odds to defeat reigning T20 powerhouse India by 34 runs in the opening T20I of the series at the Stormont Cricket Ground. The victory marked Ireland's first-ever win against India across any format of international cricket.

​Sent in to bat first, the hosts overcame an early wobble to post a formidable 182/9. India’s batting line-up crumbled under a disciplined Irish bowling display, skittling out for a meager 148 in 18.5 overs.

​Ireland’s innings began with early setbacks, finding themselves in deep trouble at 30/3 inside the powerplay. However, skipper Lorcan Tucker anchored the innings with a brilliant, composed half-century, anchoring the middle overs with 50 off 36 balls.

​Tucker found an explosive partner in Gareth Delany, who smashed a blistering 49 off 32 balls. A late-order surge saw Ireland switch gears ruthlessly in the death overs to post a highly competitive 182/9. For India, the bowling unit found occasional breakthroughs but struggled to contain the flow of runs during the critical middle-overs partnership.
​Abhishek’s Firepower in Vain as Indian Order Collapses.

The moment history was made! 💚#BackingGreen | #IREvIND | #FáilteSolar pic.twitter.com/irDjNkEbK9

— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) June 26, 2026

​Chasing 183 on a pace-friendly Belfast deck, India's reply started on a high. Opener Abhishek Sharma tore into the Irish attack, blasting a jaw-dropping 50 off just 20 deliveries to give the visitors a flying start.

​But once Abhishek was dismissed, the Indian chase suffered a catastrophic collapse. The middle order fell like a pack of cards against the moving ball, failing to stitch together a meaningful partnership. Ireland's bowling unit hunted in packs, hitting tight lines and lengths to strangle the run rate.

​Despite some lower-order resistance, the asking rate proved too steep as India were rolled over for 148 with more than an over to spare, sparking wild celebrations in Belf

First international appearance. First delivery. First wicket.

Some introduction from Jai Moondra! 👏#BackingGreen | #IREvIND | #FáilteSolar pic.twitter.com/nV6IfgWHpZ

— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) June 26, 2026