IRE VS IND: Ireland stun India in thriller, clinch series 2-0

BELFAST: Ireland produced a dramatic one-run win over India in the second T20, completing a 2-0 series sweep after defending 154-8 in a tense finish.

Chasing 155, India fell agonisingly short at 153-9 despite several fighting knocks. Tilak Varma led the effort with a composed 55 off 46 balls, keeping India in control for much of the chase. He was well supported by Harshit Rana, who played a blazing late cameo of 21 off 10 balls, and Shivam Dube, who added 20 runs to keep the equation alive deep into the innings.

Earlier in the chase, India lost early momentum as Sanju Samson (0) and Abhishek Sharma (0) fell cheaply. Ishan Kishan made 12 off 11 before being run out, while Shreyas Iyer scored 10. Axar Patel contributed 14, but wickets at regular intervals hurt India’s progress.

Ireland’s bowling attack held their nerve under pressure, with Matthew Hollard starring with a key spell, taking multiple wickets including Tilak Varma, Axar Patel and Suryansh Sedge. Jai Moondra also struck crucial blows, removing Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer, while Harry Tector chipped in with a wicket as India’s chase eventually fell just short.

With this win, Ireland completed a memorable series victory, outlasting India in two closely fought encounters.