Belfast: In a historic turn of events at the Stormont Cricket Ground, Ireland secured a dramatic one-run victory over India in the second and final T20 International, completing a sensational two-zero series sweep against the visitors.
After clinching the series opener by 34 runs, the hosts held their nerve in a thrilling last-ball finish to seal a memorable series triumph.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the Indian team initially restricted the hosts, but a resilient batting display allowed Ireland to post a competitive total of 154 for eight in their allotted twenty overs.
Harry Tector anchored the innings with a well-fought 53 off 47 balls, hitting five boundaries and a six, while Ben Calitz provided crucial late acceleration with a quickfire 37 off 23 deliveries.
For India, debutant Prince Yadav was the standout performer with the ball, returning impressive figures of three for 22, while Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Dube picked up two wickets apiece.
India’s pursuit of the 155-run target got off to a disastrous start as Irish pace bowler Jai Moondra dismantled the top order, dismissing both Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for ducks before removing skipper Shreyas Iyer for just ten runs.
Tilak Varma kept India in the hunt with a gritty half-century, scoring 55 off 46 balls, but his dismissal triggered a lower-order collapse.
A late, explosive cameo from Harshit Rana, who smashed 21 off ten balls, brought India back into contention, setting up a tense final over.
With India needing eight runs off the last two deliveries, Harry Tector managed to dismiss the dangerous Rana on the penultimate ball.
Last-man Prince Yadav struck a sensational six off the final delivery, but it proved insufficient as India finished agonizingly short at 153 for nine, sparking ecstatic celebrations from the Irish squad.
