2
0
1
1
1
wd
W
= 6
Match Details
IND vs IRE, 1st T20, IND vs IRE 2026 summary
IND
148-10(18.5)
Ireland won by 34 runs 🏆
IRE
(20.0)182-9
+
P'ship : 0(0)
Commentary
All
Highlights
Overs
W
6s
4s
Inn 1
Inn 2
Milestone
History has been created in the capital of Northern Ireland. This is exactly why cricket remains such a fascinating game—you can never write off any team. Ireland have stunned the T20 World Champions, India, here in Belfast, registering a famous 34-run victory in one of the biggest results in their cricketing history.
The hosts deserve immense credit for the way they performed. Despite being hit by several injuries and fielding a relatively inexperienced side, they showed tremendous belief, character and skill against one of the powerhouses of world cricket.
The big question now is: how will India respond? We will find out when these two sides meet again in the second and final T20I of the series on Sunday. For now, this is Pritam Dey signing off on behalf of my co-commentator Akshay Bhide who, along with scorers/analysts Manish Bishnoi and Paras Yadav & statistician Aman brought all the updates of this clash. Stay tuned for more cricketing action from around the world. BYE BYE👋
The hosts deserve immense credit for the way they performed. Despite being hit by several injuries and fielding a relatively inexperienced side, they showed tremendous belief, character and skill against one of the powerhouses of world cricket.
The big question now is: how will India respond? We will find out when these two sides meet again in the second and final T20I of the series on Sunday. For now, this is Pritam Dey signing off on behalf of my co-commentator Akshay Bhide who, along with scorers/analysts Manish Bishnoi and Paras Yadav & statistician Aman brought all the updates of this clash. Stay tuned for more cricketing action from around the world. BYE BYE👋
Last three men's T20 World Cup champions all lost their first T20I after lifting the title:
2022 - England (lost to Bangladesh in 2023)
2024 - India (lost to Zimbabwe in 2024)
2026 - India (lost to Ireland in 2026), Today*
2022 - England (lost to Bangladesh in 2023)
2024 - India (lost to Zimbabwe in 2024)
2026 - India (lost to Ireland in 2026), Today*
Lorcan Tucker (Ireland Captain): "[Thoughts on the win?] It was pretty special. Credit to the guys. We scrapped through the game and had some tough periods. But we stuck in there and happy to get the result.
[On his knock and the partnership with Delany] I think India bowled really well. They hit the right lengths. It was challenging to hit good shots. We tried to stay in the game and build a partnership and take opportunities when they came later.
[How special is it to beat India for the very first time?] It's pretty special. To face the World Champions at home. It's an outstanding performance. The work that goes behind the scenes. The Ireland Cricket and the support that we receive from everyone.
[On the two debutants] I think they were really dogged. We learnt from what India bowled in the first innings. They (the debutants) showed their skills and they were very good. They worked so hard and executed the plans we asked from them.
[Eager to win the series on Sunday?] A series win over India at home will be really special. The guys are up for it. The energy was brilliant and the crowd support was great as well.
[On his knock and the partnership with Delany] I think India bowled really well. They hit the right lengths. It was challenging to hit good shots. We tried to stay in the game and build a partnership and take opportunities when they came later.
[How special is it to beat India for the very first time?] It's pretty special. To face the World Champions at home. It's an outstanding performance. The work that goes behind the scenes. The Ireland Cricket and the support that we receive from everyone.
[On the two debutants] I think they were really dogged. We learnt from what India bowled in the first innings. They (the debutants) showed their skills and they were very good. They worked so hard and executed the plans we asked from them.
[Eager to win the series on Sunday?] A series win over India at home will be really special. The guys are up for it. The energy was brilliant and the crowd support was great as well.
Shreyas Iyer (India Captain): "(His thoughts on today's game) I think initially the bowler's were bowling really well. They got lethal and picked up a couple of wickets as well. After that, we lost execution. We made them hit straight down the ground. We knew that the dimensions are pretty small but they were few other bowlers with whom we had to shut down the overs. They were brilliant as well. I thought 140 would've been an amazing score considering the start that we got to chase but nonetheless, it's a great experience over here. We got to play on this condition, got a fair idea on this wicket and yeah, great start as a captain.
(On forgetting this game quickly and focusing on Sunday) Yes, we have to forget this game and focus on Sunday. Definitely we have a lot of learn from this game but we have to come out all guns blazing in our next game.
(On Harshit Rana, Shivam Dube) Yeah, they were getting help up at the start. Shivam has bowled crucial overs in the past. He has always done really well with the ball. I have played domestic cricket with him so I know his strengths and weaknesses. Harshit Rana bowled phenomenally well. Coming out of injury to perform at this level and showcase this talent is simply brilliant.
(Any message to the team after this defeat?) I think you can't take anything for granted. You can't just turn up and win matches. You can't take any game lightly. You have to work hard and see that whether you are in that moment or not. I have mentioned earlier that you have to stay in the present. We have to try and squeeze the opposition if we can. We can't take any moment or situation lightly. Looking forward to Sunday."
(On forgetting this game quickly and focusing on Sunday) Yes, we have to forget this game and focus on Sunday. Definitely we have a lot of learn from this game but we have to come out all guns blazing in our next game.
(On Harshit Rana, Shivam Dube) Yeah, they were getting help up at the start. Shivam has bowled crucial overs in the past. He has always done really well with the ball. I have played domestic cricket with him so I know his strengths and weaknesses. Harshit Rana bowled phenomenally well. Coming out of injury to perform at this level and showcase this talent is simply brilliant.
(Any message to the team after this defeat?) I think you can't take anything for granted. You can't just turn up and win matches. You can't take any game lightly. You have to work hard and see that whether you are in that moment or not. I have mentioned earlier that you have to stay in the present. We have to try and squeeze the opposition if we can. We can't take any moment or situation lightly. Looking forward to Sunday."
NUMBERS GAME🚨51/4 by Ireland is the lowest score at the fall of the 4th wicket from which a side has recovered to win against India in T20Is. The previous lowest was 61/4 by NZ in Nagpur in the 2016 T20 WC.
STAT ATTACK:
-This is the first time Ireland have defeated India across formats.
-Ireland have become the 11th team to beat India in International Cricket.
-India have won their last 12 T20I tournaments they have played. The last time they failed to win a T20I series was against South Africa in December 2023, when they drew 1-1.
-This is the first time Ireland have defeated India across formats.
-Ireland have become the 11th team to beat India in International Cricket.
-India have won their last 12 T20I tournaments they have played. The last time they failed to win a T20I series was against South Africa in December 2023, when they drew 1-1.
Indian Captains Starting their Journey with a Defeat in T20Is:
Virat Kohli vs England, Kanpur, 2017
Rishabh Pant vs South Africa, Delhi, 2022
Shubman Gill vs Zimbabwe, Harare, 2024
Shreyas Iyer vs Ireland, Belfast, 2026, Today*
Virat Kohli vs England, Kanpur, 2017
Rishabh Pant vs South Africa, Delhi, 2022
Shubman Gill vs Zimbabwe, Harare, 2024
Shreyas Iyer vs Ireland, Belfast, 2026, Today*
Ireland Players Winning Player of the Match Awards on their International Debut:
Eoin Morgan (99) vs Scotland, Ayr, 2006
Alex Cusack (36* & 3/15) vs South Africa, Belfast 2007
Matthew Hollard (3/28) vs India, Belfast, 2026, Today*
Eoin Morgan (99) vs Scotland, Ayr, 2006
Alex Cusack (36* & 3/15) vs South Africa, Belfast 2007
Matthew Hollard (3/28) vs India, Belfast, 2026, Today*
- Matt Hollard is only the 2nd Ireland Player to win the Player of the Match award on a debut after Andre Botha vs Scotland, Belfast, 2008.
Matt Hollard (Player of the Match): "[Did he expect to make his debut against India?] In all honesty, I never expected this. I didn't expect to make my debut against India. My family flew from Johannesburg for this day. It feels like a dream come true for me.
[On his first wicket] After that first ball, I turned to Harry and said, first ball is done. As the ball went up, I almost stopped breathing. As soon as Lorcan took it, it really felt great.
[On his journey] I was trying to come to Ireland since 2019. Then Covid hit. There were few setbacks for me. My brother came here and he said you have to come here. Cricket Ireland has been very supportive.
[Any message to his club cricket teammates?] You guys didn't knew who I was, from where I came. You allowed me to play with you guys. Thank you so much for supporting me throughout this journey.
[How special is it to see his family support him from the stands?] Nothing could be better now, seeing my family come down here and see me receive my cap and make my debut. I know everyone back home are supporting. They are drinking brandy and I know they are enjoying."
[On his first wicket] After that first ball, I turned to Harry and said, first ball is done. As the ball went up, I almost stopped breathing. As soon as Lorcan took it, it really felt great.
[On his journey] I was trying to come to Ireland since 2019. Then Covid hit. There were few setbacks for me. My brother came here and he said you have to come here. Cricket Ireland has been very supportive.
[Any message to his club cricket teammates?] You guys didn't knew who I was, from where I came. You allowed me to play with you guys. Thank you so much for supporting me throughout this journey.
[How special is it to see his family support him from the stands?] Nothing could be better now, seeing my family come down here and see me receive my cap and make my debut. I know everyone back home are supporting. They are drinking brandy and I know they are enjoying."
Commentary