Shreyas Iyer’s first assignment as India’s new T20 captain ended in disappointment as Ireland stunned the tourists in Belfast, beating India by a single run to seal the two-match series 2-0. Ireland defended a modest total of 154 on a swinging surface, with the victory handing a rare and painful defeat to an Indian side that had won 16 consecutive T20 series beforehand.
After winning the toss, Iyer elected to bowl and made several selection changes, leaving out the experienced Avesh Khan–style names Krishna and Washington Sundar from the playing XI and bringing in new faces Prince Yadav and Suryansh Shadedz. Prince justified his selection with the ball, using the conditions to pick up 3 for 22 and emerge as India’s most successful bowler. Shivam Dube claimed two wickets, Arshdeep Singh took two, and Harshit Rana picked up one. Suryansh, meanwhile, proved expensive in the earlier game.
Ireland’s innings was anchored by Harry Tector, who scored a crucial 53, while Ben Kalitz added 37 as the visitors posted 154. The total was not imposing, but India’s batting imploded under pressure and England-style swing. Ireland pacer J. Mundray exploited the conditions, taking three key wickets to derail India’s chase.
India’s start was catastrophic. Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma were both back in the pavilion for ducks inside the powerplay. Captain Shreyas Iyer managed only 10 before falling, and Ishan Kishan was run out in the chaos — India had lost two wickets for a single run and were reeling. Rain briefly interrupted play, but when action resumed Akshar Patel and Tilak Varma tried to steady the innings. Akshar fell for 20, while Shivam Dube hit 20 off 15 balls but could not take the chase deep enough. Tilak Varma fought commendably until the end, but regular wickets meant India never crossed the line.
The match went to the final delivery in a nervy finish, with Ireland holding their nerve to claim the one-run win. The collapse has intensified scrutiny of India’s batting, particularly the fragile opening combination. Calls have grown louder for the introduction of promising youngsters, with some voices pushing for the debut of 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
The bigger question for the team remains whether such a young talent should be exposed in seam- and swing-friendly conditions like those in England and Ireland. All eyes will now be on coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management as they decide whether to back youth or stick with experience for upcoming assignments.
Original Source: https://assam.nenow.in/ireland-beat-india-by-1-run-to-claim-historic-t20i-series-win/
Category: অসম,আন্ত: ৰাষ্ট্ৰীয়,উত্তৰ-পূব,ক্ৰীড়া,দেশ,শীর্ষ সংবাদ
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Publish Date: 2026-06-29 07:37:00
