Ananya Lohia , Delhi - Ireland clinched a historic 2-0 T20I series win over India after edging the reigning world champions by just one run in a thrilling second match in Belfast. The defeat marked India’s first T20I series loss in three years and their first bilateral series defeat since 2023.

Batting first in a rain-interrupted contest, Ireland posted 154/8, with Harry Tector scoring 53 and Ben Calitz adding 37. India’s chase got off to a disastrous start as Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma were both dismissed for ducks by Jai Moondra, who also removed captain Shreyas Iyer.

Despite a late fightback led by Harshit Rana, who struck crucial boundaries in the closing overs, India fell agonisingly short. Needing eight runs from the final two balls, Rana was dismissed off the penultimate delivery, and debutant Prince Yadav could only manage a six off the last ball as India finished one run behind the target.

Moondra was later named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series. The Men in Blue will now look to bounce back when they face England in their next assignment.