Ireland secure historic T20 series victory over world champions India in Belfast

Ireland secured a historic T20 international series victory over world champions India, clinching a dramatic one-run win in Belfast to complete a 2-0 series sweep. This remarkable achievement marks the first time Ireland has ever defeated India in the T20 format.

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Ireland won by 1 run and win series 2-0.

Ireland posted 154 for eight, anchored by a well-crafted half-century from Harry Tector in his 100th T20 international appearance. Ben Calitz also contributed a swift 37, helping Ireland recover from a slow start. India's bowlers, particularly Prince Yadav who took three for 22, managed to take regular wickets, including that of Tector at the end of the 19th over.

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Having never beaten India before Friday’s 34-run win at the same venue, it completed a brilliant weekend for Irish cricket with the women’s team beating West Indies in Bristol on Saturday to secure their first win in a World T20 tournament at the 22nd attempt.

In response, India struggled to chase the target. Jai Moondra, who had a memorable international debut on Friday, continued his impact by taking three wickets, including the crucial dismissals of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma early on. Despite a fighting half-century from Tilak Varma and a late surge from Harshit Rana, India fell agonizingly short, finishing at 153 for nine. The victory capped a brilliant weekend for Irish cricket, with the women's team also achieving their first World T20 tournament win.

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Harry Tector had marked his 100th T20 international appearance with a well-crafted half-century as Ireland recovered from a slow start to post 154 for eight at Stormont.