Ireland shock world champions India to win T20I series with one-run victory

BELFAST: Ireland has created history by defeating world champions India in the second T20 International to clinch the series. The hosts secured a thrilling one-run victory, handing new captain Shreyas Iyer a disappointing start to his captaincy stint. It was India’s first T20I series defeat since 2023.

Chasing a target of 155 runs, India managed only 153 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs. Prince Yadav hit a six off the final ball, but it was not enough to take India over the line.

India suffered an early setback as both openers were dismissed for golden ducks. Sanju Samson was trapped in front of the wickets, while Abhishek Sharma was caught by the wicketkeeper.

Ishan Kishan, who came in at No. 3, scored 12 runs off 11 balls, while captain Shreyas Iyer was dismissed for 10 runs off seven balls. Tilak Varma top-scored for India with a fighting half-century, scoring 55 runs off 46 balls, but he did not get enough support from the other end. Axar Patel (14 off 18) and Shivam Dube (20 off 16) fell at crucial moments. Debutant Suryansh Shedge scored only one run before India were reduced to 121 for eight in 17.5 overs.

Harshit Rana gave India some hope with a quick 21 runs off 10 balls, but his dismissal came when India needed eight runs from the final two deliveries. Arshdeep Singh remained unbeaten on 4, while Prince Yadav finished unbeaten with 6 runs off one ball.

Ireland’s bowlers played a key role in the victory, with Jay Mooney taking three wickets and breaking India’s top order. Matthew Humphreys also picked up three wickets, while Harry Tector and Matthew Humphreys contributed with one wicket each.

Earlier, Ireland posted 154 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Senior batter Harry Tector was the top scorer with a half-century, making 53 runs off 47 balls. Benjamin Calitz also impressed with a quick 37 off 23 balls. For India, Prince Yadav took three wickets.

This is India’s first series defeat since becoming T20 world champions in 2024 and only their second series loss in the format since 2021.