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History has been created in Belfast. Ireland defeated India again and claimed the 2-match T20I series by 2-0. The hosts win the second and decisive match tonight by only 1 run. A massive setback for the Shreyas Iyer-led team.
A pure thriller at the end of the India vs Ireland T20I series. On the card, the series seemed to be a one-sided contest, but in reality, it was something no one expected.
A massive blow for the Indian cricket team
Jai Moondra was exceptional in the series, especially in the second match, tonight, in Belfats, who took the wickets of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma in the very first over of the second innings.
Tilak Varma appeared as the only remaining hope for the Indian cricket team when Sanju, Abhishek, Ishan Kishan, and captain Shreyas Iyer all departed cheaply. The middle-order batter played a well-composed innings in the middle, Alongside Axar Patel, to push the team on the right track. Without the 55-run off 46-ball knock from Tilak Varma’s willow, Team India’s innings could have been reduced long ago during the run chase.
Tilak Varma's solo effort proved insufficient to save the match
Winning the toss, Shreyas Iyer chose to bowl first. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana provided the team with early breakthroughs in the must-win match. Debutant Prince Yadav was impressive. In his first-ever T20I match, the seamer took 3 wickets. Against 8 wickets, Ireland registered 154 runs in the first innings.
The target on paper looks nothing to fear about, but the conditions in Belfort were not suitable for T20-like batting. Due to rain and overcast weather, the seamers enjoyed the match thoroughly.
The last over of the match was equally intense. Harshit Rana was on the crease and played some big hits in his cameo. With the ball, Harry Tector was under immense pressure. Due to pressure, the Irish bowler gave away too many extra runs, and India, with those extra runs and Rana in the middle, gradually progressed towards the target total.
When the target was only a few inches away, there was another twist in the plot. Harry Tector took Harshit Rana’s wicket, and Tim Tector took the match-winning catch. To win the match, India needed 8 runs in the final ball of the match.
Prince Yadav, who took the stance, swung the bat and sent the ball into the gallery. It was a 6, but India needed 8 runs to win. Ireland claimed its second consecutive victory over the Men in Blue.
Notable reactions from the fans on 'X'
What these players did in india vs Ireland if kl was there they would have torn him apart.
— shubhi. (@its_shubhi1) June 28, 2026
INDIA KNOCKED OUT IN GROUP STAGE IN T20 WORLD CUP.
— Asad Bhatti (@asadbhatti112) June 28, 2026
INDIA LOST THE T20 SERIES vs IRELAND.
A TERRIBLE SUNDAY FOR INDIAN CRICKET FANS #INDvIRE
Worst Captain,Worst coach,Worst Selector. I have seen two matches of India Vs Ireland. The way the Indian team played, it appears that there was no strategy. The National team players were clueless .They were not as Smart as Smart are Gully cricketers. Why don't BCCI sack coach.
— Ajai Kumar Sharma (@AjayKum14405283) June 28, 2026
Congratulations Ireland, you were the best side.
— Keerthan (@iamkeerthan888) June 28, 2026
Team India should learn it's lessons and come with a nice plan vs England.
INDIA KNOCKED OUT IN GROUP STAGE IN T20 WORLD CUP.
— Kashif (@KashifNdmCric) June 28, 2026
INDIA LOST THE T20 SERIES vs IRELAND.
A TERRIBLE SUNDAY FOR INDIAN CRICKET FANS 💔 pic.twitter.com/FwXSChdxBQ
Massive props to Ireland for winning their 1st T20 series vs Ind
— Amit (@xami0780) June 28, 2026
Kya hua india ke dhurandharo... ghar ke bahar jeetne ka mood nahin hai kya...
Auspicious start for our new captain Iyer sab....jeeyo 🙌
