Ireland edge India by 1 run in 2nd T20I, clinch historic series 2-0 in Belfast
The Indian cricket team suffered a narrow one-run defeat against Ireland in the second T20 International in Belfast on Tuesday, resulting in a 2-0 series loss – their first T20I bilateral series defeat in three years.
Chasing 155 for victory, India were restricted to 154 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs, falling short by the slimmest of margins. The defeat follows a 34-run loss in the first T20I on Sunday, and marks India's first series loss in 11 bilateral T20I series since losing to West Indies in 2023.
Ireland, batting first after a rain delay, posted 154 for 8 in 20 overs. Harry Tector anchored the innings with a fluent 53 off 40 balls, while Ben Calitz contributed a brisk 37 off 27. The pair added 65 runs for the fourth wicket, lifting Ireland from 21 for 2 in the third over to 113 for 4 in the 15th over.
India's reply started strongly, but regular wickets halted their momentum. Despite a late fight, they fell one run short. The result means India, the reigning T20 World Champions, lose a bilateral T20I series for the first time since 2021.
India will now face England in a three-match T20I series starting next week.
