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Ireland stunned T20 World Cup champions India with a dramatic one-run victory in the second T20I at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Stormont on Sunday, completing a historic 2-0 series sweep.
Tilak Varma’s fighting 55 went in vain as the hosts successfully defended 154/8.
The result ended India’s streak of 16 consecutive T20I series wins dating back to 2023.
Despite missing five first-choice players, Lorcan Tucker’s side produced disciplined performances in both matches, with Jai Moondra and Matthew Hollard claiming three wickets each in the second game.
India’s chase began disastrously as debutant Jai Moondra removed Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for first-ball ducks before dismissing captain Shreyas Iyer for 10.
Ishan Kishan was run out for 12, leaving India reeling at 39/4 inside the Powerplay.
Tilak Varma steadied the innings with a 32-run stand alongside Axar Patel before rain briefly interrupted play.
Matthew Hollard broke the partnership by dismissing Axar, while Lorcan Tucker completed a superb one-handed catch.
Shivam Dube added quick runs before falling, but Varma reached his half-century in 45 balls with India’s first six of the innings before departing on the very next delivery.
Harshit Rana kept India’s hopes alive with aggressive hitting, including a six and a boundary off Jai Moondra.
Chasing 20 in the final over, Rana struck a boundary off the free hit, but Harry Tector dismissed him at long-on. Prince Yadav’s last-ball six reduced the margin to one run, but Ireland held on for a memorable victory.
Brief Scores
Ireland 154/8 in 20 overs (Harry Tector 53, Ben Calitz 37; Prince Yadav 3-22, Shivam Dube 2-25) beat India 153/9 in 20 overs (Tilak Varma 55, Harshit Rana 21; Matthew Hollard 3-26, Jai Moondra 3-32) by one run.
Also Read: 2nd T20I: India Eye Series-Levelling Win Against Ireland In Belfast
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