New Delhi: India’s reign as T20 World Cup champions got off to an inauspicious start on Friday as Ireland recorded a stunning 34-run victory in Belfast, extending one of world cricket’s greatest feats.The defeat made India the men’s T20 World Cup champions losing the first T20 tournament they played after winning the trophy.The unusual results started with England, who won the 2022 T20 World Cup but lost against Bangladesh in their first T20I as world champions. India followed the same unlikely path after winning the 2024 title, losing to Zimbabwe in Harare on their first tour as world champions.Now, after defending their crown in 2026, India stumbled again in the first round, this time against an inspired Ireland side who celebrated their first win in India in any form.The result also marked a disappointing start to Shreyas Iyer’s tenure as India’s new T20I captain.
Ireland makes a history with a circular shape
If there was any pressure on Ireland against international players, it didn’t show.Captain Lorcan Tucker led the way with 50 from 36 balls, while Gareth Delany narrowly missed a half-century with an impressive 49 from 32 as Ireland recovered from 51 for 4 to post a competitive 182 for 9 when asked to bat.In the past, Indian gymnasts have been very strong in the opening games. Harshit Rana took 3 for 24, while Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each.However, Tucker and Delany built up the innings before a late delivery ensured that Ireland finished with a threat that had proved so good.
Debutants shine while India collapse
Ireland’s bowlers are the best in the team’s T20I history.Openers Jai ​​Moondra (2/26) and Matt Hollard (3/28) showed impressive performances, combining for five wickets while scoring just 54 runs in their eight overs.Matthew Humphreys (3/38) added another encouraging header by bowling with an injured hand to take three crucial wickets.India’s chase was not successful despite Abhishek Sharma blasting 50 and Shivam Dube 25. Wickets kept falling as the visitors were bowled out for 148 in 18.5 overs.The win was Ireland’s first win over India in all internationals and one of the best results in the country’s cricket history.For India, meanwhile, the defeat added a surprising number. Three consecutive World Cup T20 champions will now forfeit the next T20I they played after becoming world champions.