Mumbai Indians

Ireland stunned India to win the first T20 in Belfast by 34 runs. They ticked every box…held onto some stunning catches and never allowed India to get away at any step of the contest. The Irish team has scripted history, winning their first ever encounter in any format versus India. 

Arshdeep- Harshit on fire

A triple blow for the Irish batters during the first four overs as Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana found some great movement initially. Fast bowlers hunt in pairs and this is exactly what they did. Harshit first picked the wicket of opener Ross Adair and then Tim Tector while Arshdeep snapped up the key wicket of Harry Tector. Ireland found themselves at 30/3 in 3.4 overs. Arshdeep ended his spell with 2/28.

Lorcan Tucker smashes half century

Lorcan Tucker held the innings together and steadied the Irish ship with a great 50 in just 36 balls, with five fours and two sixes. He took the attack back to the opposition, playing fearlessly. Along the way he stitched a 64 runs partnership with Gareth Delany. Just when it looked Tucker would play till the very end, Harshit struck one more time, leading the charge and sending him back to the pavilion. He finished with 3/24 in his four overs.

Delany sparkles, Dockrell’s cameo gives Ireland added boost

Gareth Delany added the finishing touch with a well-earned 49 in 32 deliveries. The intent, approach and body language of the batter was exceptional and he did deserve a half century, but just not meant to be on the given day. On the other hand, George Dockrell’s cameo of a 10 ball 19 just flipped the script.

Ireland ended their innings at 182/9 in 20 overs.

Abhishek sizzles, Irish debutants day out

Abhishek Sharma stood tall with a quick-fire 50 in just 20 balls, aced with seven fours and two sixes. He started off with a flyer and ensured India had the upper hand, keeping the run rate in check. His shots along the ground were a treat to watch, as he pierced the gaps well. On the other hand, Irish debutants Jai Moondra and Matt Hollard brought their side back into the game, picking the wickets of Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and India skipper Shreyas Iyer. India was 60/3 in 5.1 overs.

Ireland bowlers apply breaks, put pressure on India

India found themselves reeling at 100/6 in 11.6 overs. Credit to the hosts, the way they planned their dismissals. They never allowed the Indians batters to settle down and run away with the game. Matt Hollard had a field day picking his third.

India just could never recover after losing heaps of wickets and ended their innings with 148 all out in 18.5 overs. Ireland won the contest by 34 runs.

Brief Scores

Ireland: 182/9 in 20 overs (Lorcan Tucker 50, Gareth Delany 49; Harshit Rana 3/24) beat India: 148 all out in 18.5 overs (Abhishek Sharma 50, Matt Hollard 3/28, Matthew Humphreys 3/38) by 34 runs.