Ireland etched their name in cricket history after defeating India by one run in a nail-biting final T20I to complete a remarkable 2-0 series whitewash.
Chasing 155 for victory, India appeared to be in control at different stages but Ireland’s disciplined bowling and outstanding fielding under pressure denied them a memorable comeback. India finished on 153 for nine after 20 overs, falling agonisingly short of the target.
Ireland’s victory was built on a collective bowling effort, with Jai Moondra delivering the decisive spell. The right-arm bowler claimed three wickets for 32 runs, including key breakthroughs during India’s middle-order fightback. Matt Hollard also impressed with three for 26, while Matthew Humphreys and Harry Tector picked up a wicket each.
India’s chase suffered an early collapse as Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma were dismissed without scoring in the opening over. Ishan Kishan (12) and captain Shreyas Iyer (10) followed soon after, leaving India reeling at 35 for four.
Tilak Varma kept India’s hopes alive with a well-made 55 off 46 balls, adding stability to the innings. Shivam Dube scored 20, while Harshit Rana’s late assault of 21 from 10 deliveries gave India a chance in the closing overs. However, Ireland held their nerve to pull off one of their greatest T20I victories.
Earlier, Ireland posted 154 for eight after being asked to bat first. Harry Tector played a crucial anchor role with a fluent 53 from 47 balls, while Ben Calitz provided the acceleration with a powerful 37 off 23 deliveries.
Despite losing early wickets, Ireland rebuilt through Tector and Calitz before reaching a competitive total. India’s Prince Yadav was the pick of the bowlers with three for 22, while Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Dube claimed two wickets each.
The historic triumph completed Ireland’s first-ever T20I series whitewash against India and underlined their rapid rise in international cricket.
