India registered a comprehensive 8-wicket victory over Ireland in the first T20I at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on June 26, 2026. Jasprit Bumrah led the bowling attack with figures of 3/15, restricting Ireland to 139/7 in 20 overs. In reply, India chased down the target with 5.3 overs to spare, powered by Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten 51 off 34 balls.
Ireland's Innings: Bumrah Strikes Early
Ireland won the toss and opted to bat first, but their innings never gained momentum. Jasprit Bumrah struck in the first over, dismissing opener Paul Stirling for a duck. He followed up with the wicket of Andy Balbirnie in his second over, reducing Ireland to 12/2. Harry Tector top-scored for Ireland with 38 off 32 balls, while George Dockrell contributed 34 off 27. However, regular wickets kept Ireland from building a big partnership. Bumrah finished with 3/15, while Yuzvendra Chahal took 2/28.
India's Chase: Suryakumar and Kishan Shine
India lost an early wicket when Ishan Kishan fell for 14, but Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson (45 off 38) added 89 runs for the second wicket. Suryakumar's innings included 6 fours and 2 sixes, as he anchored the chase. Samson was dismissed with 10 runs needed, but Suryakumar finished the match with a boundary, remaining unbeaten on 51. India reached 143/2 in 14.3 overs.
Player of the Match: Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling spell. "I was just trying to hit the right areas and let the pitch do its work," Bumrah said after the match. "It's always nice to contribute to a team win."
Series Outlook
The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The second T20I will be played on June 28 at the same venue. Ireland will look to bounce back and level the series.
