Ireland produced one of the great days in the country’s cricket history at Stormont yesterday, holding their nerve to beat India by one run and complete a sensational 2-0 T20I series victory over the reigning world champions.

Asked to bat first on a rain-interrupted afternoon in Belfast, Ireland looked in bother when both openers were gone inside three overs, but Harry Tector’s composed 53 and a punchy 37 from Ben Calitz dragged the home side to a competitive 154 for 8. India debutant Prince Yadav was the pick of the attack with 3 for 22, while Shivam Dube’s 2 for 25 helped keep the chase to seemingly manageable proportions.

What followed was anything but routine. Jai Moondra, still at the very start of his international career, ripped the heart out of India’s reply in a devastating new-ball burst. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma both fell for first-ball ducks before captain Shreyas Iyer was bowled, leaving India reeling at 19 for 3 and a capacity crowd sensing history.

Moondra finished with 3 for 32, while Matt Hollard’s 3 for 26 ensured Ireland never let the pressure slip. Tilak Varma, with a battling 55, threatened to rescue India, but his dismissal behind off Hollard swung the contest sharply back Ireland’s way.

Even then, Harshit Rana’s late 21 from 10 balls threatened to break Irish hearts. India needed eight from the final two deliveries when Rana launched at a Harry Tector full toss, only to pick out Tim Tector at long-on. Prince Yadav struck the last ball for six, but it was not enough as India closed on 153 for 9.

Captain Lorcan Tucker said Ireland had been determined to prove Friday’s first win over India was not “a one-off”, adding that his young side had shown “great character” under extreme pressure.

Moondra, named player of the match and series, admitted he was “still trying to process it” after a dream introduction to international cricket.

India captain Iyer offered no excuses, saying “kudos to them” and admitting Ireland had “outplayed us” in key moments.

For Ireland, missing several established names and fielding a side rich in fresh faces, this was more than a famous win. It was their first bilateral series triumph over India and ended India’s long unbeaten run in T20I series. 

Above all, it was a statement series: disciplined, fearless and finished with the kind of drama that will live long in Irish cricket folklore.