Ireland shock India again: Historic T20I series sweep sealed. Ireland defeated India by one run in the second T20I at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Stormont, completing a historic 2-0 series sweep. This was Ireland’s first bilateral series win over India, ending India’s 16-match winning streak in T20I series. Despite missing five key players, Ireland showed remarkable discipline. India, chasing 155, fell short at 153 for 9.
Jai Moondra dismissed Sanju Samson for a golden duck in the first over, sparking a collapse. Samson was trapped lbw by a skiddy delivery. Abhishek Sharma also fell for a duck, caught at third man. Captain Shreyas Iyer chopped on after scoring 10, and Ishan Kishan was run out for 12. India lost four wickets in the Powerplay for only the 13th time in T20I history.
Tilak Varma anchored India’s chase with 55, but lacked support. He shared a 32-run partnership with Axar Patel before rain stopped play. After the break, Matthew Hollard dismissed Axar, caught by Lorcan Tucker. Shivam Dube scored quickly but was caught. Varma reached his fifty with India’s first six, but fell soon after. Harshit Rana hit 21, including a six and a free-hit boundary, but holed out in the final over. Prince Yadav struck a six off the last ball, but India fell one run short.
Earlier, Ireland scored 154 for 8 after being asked to bat first. Harry Tector made 53, and Ben Calitz added 37. Prince Yadav took 3 for 22, and Shivam Dube claimed 2 for 25. Ireland’s bowling, led by Moondra and Hollard, proved decisive. This historic win showcases Ireland’s growing strength in T20 cricket.