Ireland stun world champions India for historic T20 winImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ireland produced a stirring all-round performance to down world champions IndiaByMatt GaultBBC Sport NI senior journalist at StormontPublished2 hours agoFirst T20 international, StormontIreland 182-9 (20 overs): Tucker 50 (36), Delany 49 (32); Rana 3-24India: 148 all out (18.5 overs): Sharma 50 (20); Hollard 3-28, Humphreys 3-38Ireland win by 34 runsScorecard
Ireland caused a massive shock as they claimed a first senior international win over world champions India in Friday’s 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 to snap their winless streak against India in the shorter format at the ninth time of asking and 12 in all formats.
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 at sun-splashed Stormont as India were dismissed for 148 with seven balls left.
“I never expected this, to have a debut against India it’s a dream come true and I couldn’t ask for anything better,” Hollard told TNT Sports.
“My family have come out from Johannesburg to support me.
“I’ve been wanting to come over to Ireland since 2019 but then Covid happened and there were a lot of setbacks. My brother came first and stated I had to come so I did and Cricket Ireland have been unbelievable with me.”
The sides face each other again at Stormont on Sunday (13:30 BST).
