Ireland recorded their first-ever victory over India in men’s international cricket on Saturday, securing a 34-run win in a Twenty20 match at Stormont in Belfast. Ireland was sent in to bat and, despite an early collapse to 51 for four, managed to post a competitive total of 182 for nine.

In response, the reigning two-time T20 World Cup champions were bowled out for 148 with seven balls remaining, falling well short of the target. This match marked India’s return to T20 international cricket following their recent World Cup triumph in March.

Newly appointed India captain Shreyas Iyer, who was making his first T20 appearance since 2023, acknowledged the significance of the defeat. “We are not going to forget what happened and there’s a lot to learn from this game,” he said. Iyer also expressed determination to improve, adding that India would come “all guns blazing” in their next encounter.

India’s squad for the match excluded 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, although Iyer indicated that the young player would have opportunities in the future. The two teams are scheduled to meet again on Sunday at Stormont in the second and final T20 before India travels to England for a five-match series.