Picture Credit: PA Photos/Getty Images/Sportsfile/BCCI
Ireland secured a landmark 34-run victory over India in the first T20I at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast, ending India’s perfect record against them in the shortest format.
The hosts also moved 1-0 ahead in the two-match series with an accomplished all-round display.
India made a promising start to the chase of 183 through Abhishek Sharma, whose explosive innings included a 19-ball half-century.
Despite his attacking knock of 50 from 20 deliveries, the visitors lost wickets at regular intervals as Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and skipper Shreyas Iyer failed to build meaningful partnerships.
Shivam Dube contributed a quick 25, while Tilak Varma added 19, but Ireland’s bowlers never allowed India to regain momentum.
Matthew Humphreys and Matthew Hollard claimed three wickets each, with Jai Moondra picking up two, as India were dismissed for 148 in 18.5 overs.
After slipping to 32/3 early in the innings, Ireland recovered impressively through Lorcan Tucker and Gareth Delany.
Tucker struck a composed 50 from 36 balls, while Delany narrowly missed his fifty after making 49 from 31 deliveries.
George Dockrell’s brisk cameo further strengthened the innings as Ireland posted 182/9.
Harshit Rana impressed with figures of 3/24 for India, while Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel claimed two wickets apiece.
Ireland’s late surge proved decisive and gave the bowlers a total they defended comfortably.
Ireland’s breakthrough victory has put them within touching distance of a series triumph.
India must now bounce back in the second and final T20I to avoid their first bilateral T20I series defeat against Ireland.
Also Read: 1st T20I Preview: India Eyeing A Winning Start Against Ireland In Belfast
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