Ireland secured a historic win against India with a stunning 34-run victory in the opening T20 international in Belfast on Friday, while teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was left waiting for his international debut.
The 15-year-old prodigy earned a place in India’s squad for the white-ball tours of Ireland and England after an outstanding Indian Premier League season.
Sooryavanshi finished as the leading run-scorer in this year’s IPL, scoring 776 runs for Rajasthan Royals, including one century and five half-centuries. However, India chose not to include him in the playing XI for the first of the two-match series at Stormont.
Chasing a target of 183, India fell short and were bowled out for 148 with seven balls remaining.
Abhishek Sharma top-scored for India with 49, but the visitors struggled for momentum as no other batter managed to score more than Shivam Dube’s 25.
Matt Hollard starred with the ball for Ireland, taking 3-28, while left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys claimed 3-38 after opening the bowling. Their performances helped Ireland record their first-ever victory over India in any format.
Earlier, Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker led from the front with a composed 50, while Gareth Delany contributed 49 as the hosts posted 182-9 from their allotted 20 overs.
The two teams will meet again at Stormont on Sunday for the series decider.