BELFAST, JUN 28 (PTI): Ireland scripted one of the greatest moments in their cricketing history by defeating reigning T20 World Champions India by one run in the second T20I at Belfast, clinching the series 2 0. The victory, led by Rajasthan born software engineer Jai Moondra, echoed the nation’s famous 2011 ODI World Cup win against England but carried even greater significance given India’s stature in world cricket.
Batting first, Ireland posted 154 for 8 on a challenging Stormont pitch. Harry Tector anchored the innings with 53 off 47 balls in his 100th T20I, while Ben Calitz added 37 in a brisk partnership of 65 runs. Shivam Dube’s double strike and Arshdeep Singh’s two wickets restricted Ireland from reaching a bigger total. Debutant Suryansh Shedge was punished for 22 runs in a single over, but India otherwise kept the hosts in check with disciplined bowling.
India’s chase faltered early as Moondra delivered a dream spell. Holding an Indian passport, he dismissed Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for first ball ducks before removing captain Shreyas Iyer. His figures of 3/32 rattled India’s top order, leaving them 19 for 3. Ishan Kishan was run out cheaply, and at 35 for 4, India were in deep trouble. Vice captain Tilak Varma fought valiantly with a composed 55 off 46 balls, adapting to the swinging conditions and uneven bounce. He found support from Axar Patel, but the middle order failed to capitalize.
Ireland’s fielding brilliance, highlighted by Ross Adair’s direct throw to dismiss Kishan, compounded India’s woes. Despite late resistance from Harshit Rana, who struck 21 off 10 balls, India fell short by one run, finishing at 153 for 9. Rana’s dismissal off the penultimate ball sealed Ireland’s historic triumph.
The defeat ended India’s remarkable streak of 16 consecutive T20I series wins since mid 2023. Under head coach Gautam Gambhir, India have suffered several setbacks, including a 0 3 Test whitewash against New Zealand in 2024 and their first ODI series loss to the same side in 2026. Losing to Ireland, considered minnows, marked another low point.
Ireland’s bowlers, including debutant Prince with three wickets and Yadav with 3/22, ensured India never gained momentum. Their disciplined attack, combined with Moondra’s inspired spell, exposed India’s overreliance on IPL style aggressive batting unsuited to seaming conditions.
For Ireland, the win was monumental. It showcased their ability to compete with and defeat cricket’s elite, boosting their confidence and global standing. For India, the loss was a sobering reminder of the need to adapt beyond familiar subcontinental pitches and formats.
This one run victory will be remembered as a watershed moment in Irish cricket, symbolizing resilience, tactical discipline, and the emergence of new heroes. For India, it was a humbling experience that ended a proud streak and raised questions about leadership, preparation, and adaptability in international cricket.
Brief scores:
India 170 for 4 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 38, Shafali Verma 34, Jemimah Rodrigues 34 retd hurt, Harmanpreet Kaur 56; Sophie Molineux 2/46).
Australia 172 for 4 in 19 overs (Beth Mooney 22, Phoebe Litchfield 24, Ashleigh Gardner 53, Ellyse Perry 56).
