Ireland shocked India with a magnificent 34-run win in the opening T20I in Belfast on Friday, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. With a dominant performance both in their bowling and batting departments, Ireland managed to create history, as this is the first time that they have beaten India in international cricket.
India chasing 183, were bowled out for 148 in 18.5 overs after explosive batters Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and captain Shreyas Iyer fell cheaply for 5, 1 and 3, respectively. However, Abhishek Sharma was in excellent touch, slamming 50 runs and giving India a good start, but the lack of support from other batters handed India a shock defeat. Meanwhile, Ireland's bowlers made full use of the home conditions, with Matthew Hollard and Matthew Humphreys chipping in with three wickets each.
Earlier, India, deciding to bowl, restricted Ireland to 182/9 in 20 overs, with Harshit Rana impressing with the ball and claiming three wickets. Prasidh Krishna endured a difficult outing, finishing with figures of 0-57 from his four overs. For Ireland, captain Lorcan Tucker played a great knock of 50 from 36 balls. Gareth Delany also made a big impact, hitting 49 off 32 balls.