Ireland produced one of the biggest victories in their cricket history by defeating India by 34 runs in the opening T20 International in Belfast on Friday, securing their first ever men’s international victory over India across all formats. The memorable win at Stormont Cricket Ground ended a run of 11 consecutive defeats against India in One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals. It also handed Ireland a 1-0 lead in the two match series, leaving India’s new captain Shreyas Iyer facing an early setback in his first assignment leading the T20 side. India entered the series as reigning T20 world champions and overwhelming favourites. However, Ireland produced a disciplined all round performance to secure one of the finest wins in the country’s cricket history. Batting first after India chose to field, Ireland recovered well to post 182 for 9 from their 20 overs. Captain Lorcan Tucker led from the front with a composed 50 from 36 deliveries, anchoring the innings after early pressure. Gareth Delany then provided the late acceleration, smashing 49 from just 32 balls to push the hosts beyond the 180 mark. India’s Harshit Rana impressed with the ball, returning figures of 3 for 24 to keep Ireland from posting an even bigger total. Prasidh Krishna, however, endured a difficult outing as Ireland targeted him throughout his spell. The fast bowler finished with expensive figures of 57 runs conceded from four overs. Ireland bowlers trigger dramatic collapse India began the chase in explosive fashion as opener Abhishek Sharma blasted a rapid 50 from only 20 balls, briefly putting the visitors on course for victory. The momentum changed immediately after Sharma’s dismissal. Ireland’s bowlers tightened their grip, applied relentless pressure and exposed India’s middle order. Matthew Hollard led the attack with outstanding figures of 3 for 28, while left arm spinner Matthew Humphreys claimed 3 for 38. Their combined efforts bundled India out for 148 in 18.5 overs, sealing a famous 34 run victory. The defeat marked India’s first loss to Ireland in men’s international cricket and represented one of the biggest upsets involving the reigning T20 world champions in recent years. Following the landmark victory, Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker said: “A series win over India would be pretty special.” He praised his team’s determination, adding they managed to “scrap through and stay in the game,” while also highlighting the contributions of Ireland’s debutants. India, led by Shreyas Iyer in his first T20I series as captain, will now look to avoid a rare bilateral series defeat when the second and final match takes place at the same Belfast venue on Sunday, June 28. The match also serves as part of India’s preparations ahead of a five match T20I series in England next month.