Ireland clinched a historic series win against T20 champs India with a nail-biting one-run victory in Belfast . India again chose not to field 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi despite anticipation of his debut.
Harry Tector marked his 100th T20 international with a solid fifty, lifting Ireland from a slow start to 154-8 at Stormont . Drama unfolded when India-born Jai Moondra struck immediately,trapping Sanju Samson lbw on first ball. Then sent Abhishek Sharma and India’s captain Shreyas Iyer packing in same over.
After rain break,India tried to rally. Tilak Varma hit 55,Harshit Rana added 21,but they ended innings at 153-9,falling just short.
Sooryavanshi, a standout in Indian Premier League,led season with 776 runs for Rajasthan Royals,including a century and five fifties. Yet he was benched both matches against Ireland . His shot at debut now moves to first T20 against England on Wednesday at Chester-le-Street, Durham's home ground.
Ireland's win is their second straight over India, after 34-run victory in first match — their first-ever win against India in any format. Quite statement…but what’s next for Ireland?
