Ireland scripted history with a stunning 34-run victory over India in the first T20I at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Friday, June 26. Chasing 183, India were bundled out for 148 in 18.5 overs as the hosts registered their first-ever T20I win over the Men in Blue. The result gave Ireland a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, while Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy stint began with a disappointing defeat.
Talking Points:
1. Lorcan Tucker and Gareth Delany rescue Ireland with a crucial partnership
Ireland found themselves in trouble after slipping to 51/4 in the powerplay. However, skipper Lorcan Tucker led from the front with a composed half-century, while Gareth Delany provided valuable support in a match-defining partnership. Their stand revived the innings and helped Ireland post a competitive total of 182/9, giving the bowlers enough runs to defend.
2. Debutant Matthew Hollard stars as Ireland dismantle India’s batting
Matthew Hollard enjoyed a dream debut, producing a sensational spell of 3/28 to derail India’s chase. The pacer consistently picked up key wickets at crucial moments and shared the workload brilliantly with fellow debutant Jai Moondra, while Matthew Humphreys chipped in with three wickets despite carrying an injured hand. Their collective effort ensured India never gained momentum in the chase.
3. Abhishek Sharma’s lone battle goes in vain
While India’s batting struggled collectively, Abhishek Sharma stood out with a fighting knock at the top of the order. The left-hander attacked the Irish bowlers from the outset and looked set to take the game deep. However, with wickets falling regularly at the other end, his valiant effort proved insufficient as India were bowled out for 148, suffering a historic defeat in Belfast.
Who said what?
Shreyas Iyer – India Captain:
“I think initially, the bowlers were bowling well. They got lateral movement, and they got a couple of wickets as well. So we got a tremendous start, but in between, we lost execution. We made them hit straight down the ground, where we know that the dimensions are pretty small. But then, yeah, the bowlers, when we had to shut down the overs, they were brilliant as well. So I thought 140 would have been an amazing score considering the start that we got to chase. But nonetheless, it’s a great experience over here. We got to play in these conditions, got a fair idea about the wicket, and yeah, great start as a captain. [On whether rustiness after a long break played a part and the focus ahead of the next game] Yes, definitely. We’re going to forget what’s happened. Definitely a lot to learn from this game and see to it that we come out in the next game all guns blazing. [On the bowling performances of Harshit Rana and Shivam Dube] Yes, certainly. They were getting help up front at the start, and Shivam, he has bowled crucial overs in the past. So I always back him, and I’ve played with him in the domestic circuit as well. I know his strengths and weaknesses. And Harshit Rana, he bowled phenomenal. Coming out of an injury to perform at this level and showcase this sort of talent, it’s simply brilliant. [On his message to the team after the defeat] I think you can’t take anything for granted. You can’t just turn up and win matches. You have to work hard and see to it that you’re in that moment. Like I mentioned earlier, you’ve got to stay in the present and see to it that if you’ve got that opportunity to squeeze the opponent, we’ve got to do that. And yeah, never take any moment or situation lightly. [On bouncing back in the next match] Yes, looking forward to it.”
Lorcan Tucker – Ireland Captain
“It was pretty special. But just credit to the lads. I think we scrapped through that game. We had some tough periods in it, but we stayed in it. And we were diligent, and we worked hard. And we were lucky to get the reward in the end. [On scoring another fifty as captain] I have no idea why. I’m sure it will be broken the next day. But yeah, it’s started nicely for me. [On recovering from 36 for 3 and his partnership with Gareth Delany] Yeah, I think India bowled really well at the start. I think they bowled really good lengths. They didn’t really waver from them. They stuck at them, found it challenging to hit good shots. It nearly felt like a Test match at one stage. But I think we tried to stay in the game, build a partnership, and then took our opportunities when they came a bit later. [On where this win ranks among Ireland’s biggest victories] I think it’s pretty special, I think, to beat the world champions at home, first game of the season, T20 cricket. But credit’s due to the lads. I think we had two debutants there who put in absolutely outstanding performances. I think to all the work that goes in behind the scenes, Cricket Ireland, everyone’s very dedicated, and I think that’s why we like to try and bring these results and support everyone. [On the performances of the two debutants] I think they were really dogged. I think we learned a lot from how India bowled in the first innings. They didn’t really stray from their lengths. I think we tried to tell the lads to do that as well, and they just showed their skill and their accuracy and their ability to stay in that spot and make it challenging for their batters. So absolute credit to them, but credit to themselves. They worked so hard, and they were able to execute their plans, what we asked of them. [On the chance to seal a series win against India in the next match] Absolutely, yeah. A series win at home against India would be pretty special. I think the lads are absolutely mustard keen to get back here. I think the energy today was fabulous, the crowd were brilliant, so special.”
Matt Hollard – Player of the Match
“In all honesty, I never expected this. I always knew I had it, but to have a debut against India, it’s honestly a dream come true. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. My family, they’ve flown out from Johannesburg to come and visit me. It’s actually just… it’s still a bit of a dream right now, in all honesty. [On his emotions after his first wicket on debut] It’s actually funny. After that first ball, I turned to Harry and I said, “The first one’s done.” And as soon as that ball went up, I just… I honestly, I stopped breathing for a minute. And then as soon as Lorcan took it, all the emotions sort of just exploded out of me. It was really, really, really special. So, yeah. [On his journey to representing Ireland] So I’ve really been wanting to come over to Ireland since 2019. Then COVID hit and there was a lot of complications. A lot of things happened that was a bit of a setback for me. My brother came first, and then he says, “You have to come now.” And he pulled me over here. And ever since then, Cricket Ireland has just treated me unbelievably well. They’ve backed me, and I’m just extremely grateful for them, in all honesty. [On becoming the first player from Balbriggan Cricket Club to represent Ireland] Honestly, you guys never knew who I was, what I did, where I came from. You guys have allowed me to come over here and play cricket. So, Balbriggan, everyone there, thank you for the support, and just thank you. Thanks for the journey. [On having his family present for his debut and his message to those back home] I haven’t seen them in a while, and having them over here, it’s honestly just… nothing could be better right now. Them seeing me receive my cap and them cheering me from the side there, it’s… yeah, it’s unbelievable. And to my family back home, I know all the boys are watching there, all the cousins, thank you. I know you’re supporting, and thanks for the messages. They’re drinking brandy, and I really know it’s going down there. So, yeah, thank you.”
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