Ireland scripted one of the biggest upsets in recent T20 cricket by defeating reigning world champions India 2-0 in a two-match home series. The hosts sealed the series with a thrilling one-run victory in the second T20 International at Stormont, Belfast, earning their first-ever T20 series win over India.
Batting first, Ireland recovered from an early collapse to post 154/8 in their 20 overs. Harry Tector anchored the innings with a composed 53, while Ben Calitz added an important 37 to give the hosts a competitive total.
India’s chase got off to a disastrous start as Ireland’s bowlers struck early. Jai Moondra and Matt Hollard dismantled the top order, reducing India to 19/3. Although Tilak Varma fought back with a well-made 55, India fell just one run short after losing crucial wickets in the closing stages.
The victory completed a remarkable series for Ireland after they had already secured a 34-run win in the opening match, their first-ever victory over India in any international format. The back-to-back wins highlighted Ireland’s growing strength in white-ball cricket and marked one of the most memorable achievements in the country’s cricketing history.
Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker praised his team’s determination and character, while India skipper Shreyas Iyer acknowledged that his side was outplayed by a disciplined Irish outfit. The series defeat is India’s first bilateral T20 series loss to Ireland and their first T20 series defeat since 2023.
