Ireland stunned India to claim their first ever victory over the world champions in the opening ODI in Stormont.

Captain Lorcan Tucker led the way for the hosts, who defended their total of 182-9 by bowling their opponents out for 148 with an over to spare.

India won the toss and elected to field, restricting Ireland to 51-4 inside eight overs after claiming the wickets of Ross Adair (12), Harry Tector (duck) and Tim Tector (17).

However, Tucker steadied the ship with a timely half-century, while Gareth Delany also chipped in with 49 to get them to 178-7 with two overs remaining.

Ireland added another four runs to set India a target of 183, and Abhishek Sharma's contribution of 49 set them on their way after the early wickets of Sanju Samson (five), Ishan Kishan (one) and the returning Shreyas Iyer (three) – Matt Hollard claiming the latter two.

But despite Shivam Dube's 25, Hollard also took Washington Sundar (nine) to halt the tourists' momentum. 

It looked like Ireland had missed an opportunity when Harshit Rana was dropped by Harry Tector in the deep, leaving India needing 36 runs from 12 balls.

However, Matthew Humphreys, who earlier claimed Tilak Varma (19), took centre stage with the very next ball, as Ben Calitz caught Rana to put the hosts on the brink.

Another Humphreys delivery at the end of the penultimate over was hit high into the sky by Arsheep Singh, with Tim Tector taking the catch to secure a memorable victory.

History in Belfast!

Ireland have beaten India for the first time in international cricket, pulling off a famous victory over the world championspic.twitter.com/pPH7R0SkFP

— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) June 26, 2026

Ireland claim famous first thanks to inspirational skipper

Ireland knew they were very much underdogs ahead of facing the world champions in Belfast.

Yet after a shaky start, the hosts were inspired by their captain, who is flourishing in his new role.

Tucker became the first player to score 50 or more in each of his first three T20Is as captain, while his 217 runs are also the most by any skipper in their opening three matches.

The captain's contribution helped his side to a respectable score of 182-9.

Opposite number Shreyas had set a record by making his comeback as captain, having missed the most consecutive T20Is beforehand (63).

However, the India skipper could only contribute three runs for the tourists, who were unable to chase down their target – with Hollard and Humphreys taking three wickets apiece – and slipped to a shock defeat.