Ireland scripted history by defeating India for the first time in T20 Internationals, registering a 34-run victory in the opening match of the two-game series in Belfast.
Defending T20 World Cup champions India were bowled out for 148 while chasing 183, handing new captain Shreyas Iyer a disappointing start. Abhishek Sharma smashed a 20-ball 50, but India lost wickets at regular intervals as Matthew Hollard and Matthew Humphreys claimed three wickets each. Earlier, Lorcan Tucker scored 50 while Gareth Delany blasted 49 to lift Ireland to 182/9 after recovering from 36/3.
Harshit Rana starred for India with 3/24, but Ireland’s disciplined bowling and strong middle-order effort secured a famous win and a 1-0 series lead.