Ireland shock T20 world champions India to record historic first ever win Cricket News:

Ireland produced one of the biggest results in their T20I history, beating reigning world champions India by 34 runs in the opening match of the two-match series at the Civil Service Cricket Club on Friday. It was Ireland’s first ever win against India in any form, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the series.Chasing 183 on a lively surface that offered help to the fast bowlers, India started positively but failed to adjust once the field spread. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 148 as Ireland’s disciplined pace attack revealed India’s impatience despite a strong knock from Abhishek Sharma.The left-handed opener provided the only real resistance, racing to a 20-ball half-century and briefly keeping India in the hunt. However, wickets continued to fall around him as Ireland continued to press relentlessly.Debut pacer Jai Moondra enjoyed a dream start to his international career by getting dismissed Sanju Samsonwho pulled the ball back on his stumps. Matt Hollard then struck out twice in a row, striking out Ishan Kishan and new captain: Shreyas Iyer. Kishan miscued an attempt that hit the leg side, while Iyer failed to clear the deep after misjudging a slower delivery.India reached 68/3 at the end of the Powerplay, but Abhishek’s aggressive innings ended when he picked out Ben Calitz with a pull shot from Liam McCarthy. From there, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube and the lower order were unable to build a meaningful partnership as Ireland completed a memorable victory.Earlier in the day, India made an impressive start after choosing to field first. Harshit Rana, returning from a four-month injury, starred with figures of 3/24 as India bowled out Ireland for 36/3 in the Powerplay.Ross Adair, Harry Tector and Tim Tector all departed early, with Rana dismissing Adair and Tim through short-ball tactics, while Arshdeep Singh trapped Harry Tector by luring him into an attacking drive.Shivam Dube then accounted for Benjamin Calitz after the batter hit two sixes off Prasidh Krishna, leaving Ireland struggling at 51/4.Captain Lorcan Tucker continued the innings with a composed 50 from 36 deliveries. After a cautious start, Tucker changed gears brilliantly, taking on Axar Patel with two fours and a six in one before reaching his half-century in just 35 balls. His innings also featured an inventive scoop boundary off Prasidh Krishna before Harshit Rana returned to end his stay.With Ireland at 115/5, Gareth Delany and George Dockrell launched a powerful attack that proved decisive. The duo added 49 runs in quick time, targeting the Indian bowlers in the death overs.Delany narrowly missed out on a half-century, scoring 49, while Dockrell made a powerful 19. The turning point came in Prasidh Krishna’s final over, with Delany and Dockrell smashing 27 runs, including a four and three consecutive sixes, completely shifting the momentum in Ireland’s favour.Washington Sundar also endured a costly outing, conceding 19 runs in his solo, while Axar Patel’s costly spell added to India’s woes in the closing stages. Those costly overs eventually helped Ireland push their total to a competitive 182/9.Harshit Rana finished as India’s standout bowler with 3/24, while Arshdeep Singh claimed 2/28 and Axar Patel picked up two wickets. However, Ireland’s disciplined bowling effort and clinical execution during India’s chase ensured they celebrated a crucial victory against the T20 world champions.The match also saw teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wait a bit longer for his international debut, as India retained their regular opening combination and omitted the 15-year-old from the playing XI.