Ireland registered their first-ever victory over India in any format with a memorable 34-run win in the opening T20 International at Stormont on Friday, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

Asked to bat, Ireland overcame an early collapse to post a competitive 182 for nine, thanks to captain Lorcan Tucker’s fluent 50 off 36 balls and Gareth Delany’s blistering 49 off 32 deliveries.

India’s pace attack had made the perfect start after skipper Shubman Gill elected to field. Harshit Rana, returning after a four-month injury lay-off, led the charge with figures of 3/24 as India reduced Ireland to 30 for three inside the powerplay. Rana dismissed Tim Tector and Ross Adair, while Arshdeep Singh removed Harry Tector as the hosts managed only 36 runs in the first six overs.

The Indian quicks relied on hard lengths rather than swing-friendly fuller deliveries, a tactic that paid early dividends. Shivam Dube added to Ireland’s woes by dismissing Ben Calitz to leave the hosts reeling at 51 for four.

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Tucker then anchored the recovery with a composed half-century, adding 64 runs for the fifth wicket before Delany and George Dockrell accelerated with a 49-run stand. Delany took apart Prasidh Krishna, smashing 27 runs in the 16th over with four boundaries and three sixes, but fell one run short of a deserved fifty. Axar Patel and Arshdeep chipped in with two wickets each to prevent Ireland from crossing the 200-run mark.

India’s reply never gained momentum as the visitors lost wickets at regular intervals against a disciplined Irish bowling attack. Abhishek Sharma fought a lone battle with 49, while Shivam Dube made 25 and Tilak Varma contributed 19. However, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer and Washington Sundar all failed to make significant contributions as India were bowled out for 148 in 18.5 overs.

Matt Hollard starred with the ball for Ireland, claiming 3/28, while left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys (3/38) and Jai Moondra (2/25) provided excellent support to seal a famous victory.

Brief scores:

Ireland 182/9 in 20 overs (Lorcan Tucker 50, Gareth Delany 49; Harshit Rana 3/24, Arshdeep Singh 2/28, Axar Patel 2/33).

India 148 all out in 18.5 overs (Abhishek Sharma 49, Shivam Dube 25, Tilak Varma 19; Matt Hollard 3/28, Matthew Humphreys 3/38, Jai Moondra 2/25).