Ireland caused a massive shock as they claimed a first senior international win over world champions India in the opening T20 international in Belfast.
With key bowlers missing through injury, debutants Jai Moondra and Matthew Hollard starred as the hosts claimed a 34-run victory. More than 4,000 spectators flocked to Stormont hoping to see India hand a record-breaking debut to batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
However, after India decided to hold the 15-year-old in reserve and opted to bowl first, new Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker led Ireland’s batting charge, with his half-century helping the hosts post 182-9.
The tourists made a quick start in response as Abhishek Sharma hit 50 off 20 balls, but Ireland refused to panic with Hollard (3-28) and India-born Moondra (2-26) playing a key role in a historic win as India were dismissed for 148 with seven balls left.
Having retained their T20 World Cup crown in spectacular fashion earlier this year, India were expected to prove too strong for Ireland team missing key operators such as Mark Adair, Curtis Campher and Josh Little. But after being asked to bat first, the hosts recovered superbly to reach 182-9 thanks to Tucker’s half-century.
In response to Ireland’s commendable efforts with the bat, Indian openers Sanju Samson and Sharma hit 16 off the opening over before Moondra removed Samson with his first delivery in international cricket.
“He was outstanding,” Ireland bowling coach Ryan Eagleson said of Moondra.
“He ran in, bowled quick. He’s got that left-arm option, he has really good skills as well. He did it with a smile on his face.
After Sharma was dismissed by Liam McCarthy, India’s middle order toiled as Hollard took the wickets of Ishan Kishan, captain Shreyas Iyer and Washington Sundar.
India had scraped their way to 147-9 with 11 balls left, but Ireland clinched a famous win when Tim Tector caught Arshdeep Singh’s hit off a Matthew Humphreys delivery for the spinner’s third wicket.
