Ireland produced a stunning upset at Stormont, beating world champions India by 34-run in the opening T20. The hosts posted 182‑9, powered by Lorcan Tucker’s 50 off 36 balls and Graham Delany’s 49 from 32. Crowds of 4,000 watched under sunny skies, expecting a debut for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, but the host’s firepower proved decisive as India were bowled out for 148 in 18.5 overs.

Injury‑hit Ireland fielded debutants Jai Moondra and Matthew Hollard, both delivering breakthroughs. Hollard took 3‑28 while Moondra added 2‑26, keeping the chase under pressure. India’s Abhishek Sharma flashed a quick 50 off 20, but early wickets forced a collapse, leaving the tourists seven balls shy of the target. Moondra’s 2.6 economy and Hollard’s swing on the new ball broke the middle order.

The victory ends Ireland’s nine‑match T20 drought against India and 12‑match winless run across all formats. It boosts Ireland’s confidence ahead of the series decider on Sunday and forces India to reassess selection choices, especially the decision to sideline the teenage prodigy. Ireland now leads the series 1‑0, reshaping the early standings in the tri‑series.