BELFAST: Ireland secured a historic first men’s T20 international series victory over world champions India on Sunday, defeating the visitors by one run in a thrilling contest in Belfast, while teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was once again denied his international debut.
The hosts wrapped up the two-match series 2-0 after following Friday’s 34-run victory with another memorable triumph at Stormont.
Despite earning a call-up after a remarkable Indian Premier League season, the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi was again left out of India’s playing XI.
Tector Leads Ireland Recovery
Harry Tector celebrated his 100th T20 international appearance with a composed half-century as Ireland recovered from a slow start to post 154-8.
The hosts’ total proved just enough despite a determined Indian chase.
Moondra Rocks India Early
India-born pacer Jai Moondra made an immediate impact, trapping Sanju Samson lbw with the first ball of India’s innings.
He struck again in the same over to dismiss Abhishek Sharma before removing captain Shreyas Iyer, leaving the visitors struggling early in their chase.
Following a rain interruption, Tilak Varma revived India’s hopes with a fighting 55, while Harshit Rana contributed 21 late in the innings. However, India finished on 153-9, falling agonisingly short of the target.
Sooryavanshi Still Waiting
Sooryavanshi earned selection for India’s white-ball tours of Ireland and England after a sensational IPL campaign with Rajasthan Royals, where he finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 776 runs, including one century and five half-centuries.
However, the teenage prodigy remained on the sidelines for both matches in Belfast.
He could now make his long-awaited international debut in the opening T20 against England at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday.
The defeat will raise fresh questions over India’s team selection and batting approach, particularly after the world’s top-ranked T20 side failed to chase a modest target and suffered a rare series whitewash against Ireland.
The decision to leave several in-form players on the bench is also likely to come under scrutiny as India prepares for a tougher T20 assignment against England later this month.
