Ireland stun world champions India for historic T20 win

Ireland pulled off a massive shock on Friday, securing their first senior international victory over world champions India in the opening T20 international in Belfast. The hosts won by 34 runs at Stormont, ending a winless streak against India that stretched nine matches in T20s and 12 in all formats.

India won the toss and chose to bowl first, holding back 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from his debut. New Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker led the way with a half-century as the hosts posted 182-9. In reply, Abhishek Sharma smashed 50 off 20 balls to give India a flying start, but Ireland debutants Matthew Hollard (3-28) and Jai Moondra (2-26) sparked a collapse. More than 4,000 spectators witnessed the historic win at a sun-drenched Stormont.