Chasing a target of 183, the Indian team lost wickets at regular intervals and failed to reach the target. With this victory, Ireland made history by defeating India for the first time in T20 International cricket.

IRE vs IND T20I cricket 26 : Ireland made history in the first T20I match played in Belfast. The hosts defeated India by 34 runs to register their first victory in T20I cricket. Previously, India had the upper hand in all T20I matches played between the two teams, but this time, Ireland made history with a remarkable performance.

Ireland's innings stabilized after a poor start

Ireland, who lost the toss and elected to bat first, had a poor start. They lost four wickets for just 51 runs in 7.1 overs. At that point, it seemed Ireland would be unable to post a big total. However, captain Lorcan Tucker and Gareth Delany steadied the innings with superb batting. They put on a crucial 64-run partnership for the fifth wicket, bringing the team back into the match.

Tucker and Delaney played crucial innings

Captain Lorcan Tucker played a responsible innings, scoring 50 runs off 36 balls. His innings included 5 fours and 2 sixes. After Tucker's dismissal, Gareth Delany continued his aggressive form. He added 49 runs for the sixth wicket with George Dockrell. Dockrell contributed 19 runs off 10 balls, while Delany was dismissed for 49 runs off 32 balls. He hit 3 fours and 3 sixes in his innings. Thanks to the innings of these two batsmen, Ireland managed to reach a competitive score of 182 runs.

Harshit Rana was the most successful bowler

Harshit Rana was the most successful Indian bowler, taking 3/24 in his 4 overs. Arshdeep Singh took 2/28 in his 4 overs. Axar Patel also took 2 wickets, while Shivam Dube took 1 wicket.

Poor start for India

Abhishek Sharma continued his aggressive batting from one end, reaching his half-century in just 20 balls. He kept India in the match with a quickfire 50, but his dismissal only added to the team's troubles. Tilak Verma then departed for 19, while Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube made 9 and 25, respectively. With the steady fall of wickets, India drifted further away from the target.

India's innings was restricted to 148.

At one stage, India had lost seven wickets, and Ireland had tightened its grip on the match. India needed 48 runs from the last 24 balls to win, with only three wickets remaining. Axar Patel was then dismissed for 15. Harshit Rana then departed for eight, and Arshdeep Singh for two. India were all out for 148. For Ireland, Matthew Humphries took three wickets, Matt Holland three, Jay Moonda two, Liam McCarthy one, and Gareth Delany one, all of which were dismissed cheaply.

First win after 17 years

The first T20 International clash between India and Ireland took place in 2009. Since then, the two teams have faced each other on several occasions, but the Indian team has prevailed each time. Ireland's long wait for its first victory against India has finally ended after 17 years.

Ireland made history by defeating India by 34 runs in the first T20I match played in Belfast on June 26, 2026. This marked Ireland's first victory against India in T20I cricket. This long-awaited victory will be remembered by Irish cricket for a long time.

 PC: Prabhat Khabar