IRE vs IND

That's all from a historic evening in Belfast, where Ireland rewrote the record books with their first-ever men's international victory over India in any format. It was a performance built on resilience, composure and fearless cricket, while India will look to regroup quickly with the series still very much alive.

I've been Pradeep, and it's been a pleasure bringing you all the action. Thank you for joining us on Sportskeeda's live coverage. We'll be back for the second T20I on Sunday, where India will aim to level the series and Ireland will have the chance to seal a famous triumph. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Lorcan Tucker [Ireland captain]: [On Ireland's historic win]"It was a pretty special afternoon. Full credit to the lads—we had some tough periods in the game, but we stayed in the fight throughout. We kept working hard, believed in ourselves, and were fortunate enough to get the rewards in the end."[On his form as captain]"I'm not sure why I've scored three fifties in my first three games as captain! Hopefully it continues, but I'm just happy it's been a good start."[On rebuilding after the early collapse]"At 36 for 3, India bowled really well and challenged us with disciplined lengths. It almost felt like Test-match cricket for a while. Gareth Delany and I focused on staying in the game, building a partnership, and then capitalising when the opportunities came later in the innings."[On beating India for the first time]"It's incredibly special to beat the world champions, especially at home in the first game of the season. The two debutants were outstanding, and this result is a reflection of all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. Everyone at Cricket Ireland is committed to improving, and it's rewarding to see that effort translate into performances like this."[On the debutants' impact]"They were brilliant. We learned a lot from the way India bowled in the first innings and wanted our bowlers to stick to similar lengths. They showed great skill, accuracy and composure, executed the plans perfectly, and deserve all the credit for the way they performed."[On chasing a series win]"A series win at home against India would be incredibly special. The atmosphere today was fantastic, the crowd were brilliant, and the lads can't wait to get back out there on Sunday and give it another crack."

Shreyas Iyer [India captain]: [On India's defeat]"I thought our bowlers started brilliantly and asked plenty of questions early on. We picked up a couple of wickets, but after that, we didn't execute our plans consistently enough. We allowed Ireland to score too many runs straight down the ground, and although we knew the boundaries were small, we couldn't pull things back. Chasing 140 after the start we had would've been ideal, but this was still a valuable learning experience. We now have a better understanding of the conditions and the wicket."[On bouncing back]"We'll move on from this game quickly. There are plenty of lessons to take away, but our focus now shifts to Sunday. We'll come back with a positive mindset and look to play an aggressive brand of cricket."[On Shivam Dube and Harshit Rana]"The bowlers got good assistance with the new ball. Shivam has always delivered key overs for us, and having played domestic cricket with him, I know exactly what he brings to the team. Harshit Rana was outstanding as well. To return from injury and perform with such confidence at this level speaks volumes about his talent."

Matt Hollard is the Player of the Match! Here's what he has to say: [On making his debut against India]"To be honest, I never imagined my debut would come against India. I always believed I had the ability, but this is beyond anything I could have dreamed of. Having my family fly over from Johannesburg to witness it makes it even more special. It still feels surreal."[On taking his first international wicket]"After the first ball, I turned to Harry and said, 'The first one's done.' Then the next ball went up in the air and, honestly, I think I stopped breathing for a moment. Once Lorcan Tucker settled underneath it and completed the catch, it was pure joy. It was an incredibly special feeling."[On his journey to Ireland]"I'd been hoping to move to Ireland since 2019, but COVID and a few setbacks delayed everything. My brother came over first and kept telling me I had to make the move. Ever since I arrived, Cricket Ireland has backed me every step of the way, and I'll always be grateful for the faith they've shown in me."[On representing Balbriggan Cricket Club]"To everyone at Balbriggan, thank you. You welcomed me without really knowing my story and gave me the opportunity to play my cricket here. I'm proud to be the first player from the club to represent Ireland, and I can't thank everyone enough for their support throughout this journey."[On having his family in the stands]"I hadn't seen my family for a while, so having them here to watch me receive my cap and cheer me on means everything. To everyone back home watching and sending messages, thank you so much. I know you're celebrating, and I truly appreciate all the support."

Ireland win the game by 34 runs and go 1-0 up in the series!

India are bowled out for 148 after 18.5 overs

Ireland 182/9 after 20 overs

Abhishek Sharma 49(20) | Shivam Dube 25(14) | Matt Hollard 4-0-28-3 | Matthew Humphreys 3.5-0-38-3

Ireland could scarcely have scripted a better evening in Belfast. After losing early wickets, the experienced pairing of Lorcan Tucker and Gareth Delany steadied the innings before shifting gears brilliantly, rescuing the hosts and propelling them to a formidable total that completely changed the complexion of the game. Their partnership laid the perfect platform for what followed.

India never truly found any sustained momentum in the chase. Abhishek Sharma's fighting half-century kept the visitors in the hunt, while Shivam Dube briefly threatened with a flurry of big hits. But once Dube departed, the required rate climbed rapidly and the pressure mounted. Harshit Rana battled until the very end, but the task had become too steep.

Ireland's bowlers were outstanding from the outset. Debutants Matt Hollard and Jai Moondra shared five wickets between them, with Moondra marking his international debut by taking a wicket with the very first ball of his T20I career. Matthew Humphreys then wrapped up the middle order with a superb three-wicket spell as Ireland squeezed India out of the contest.

This is a result that will be remembered for years to come. Ireland have registered their first-ever men's T20I victory over India, making it a landmark moment in the nation's cricketing history. For India, it was a disappointing start to Shreyas Iyer's tenure as T20I captain, while Ireland head into the remainder of the series brimming with confidence after a famous win.

18.5 Matthew Humphreys to Arshdeep Singh, OUT! GOES STRAIGHT UP AND HISTORY CREATED IN BELFAST! What a moment for Irish cricket! Ireland script history with their maiden men's T20I victory over India, pulling off a memorable win on home soil in Belfast. Absolute joy in the stadium, fans hugging each other, this is a moment to remember. 

Length delivery on the off-stump, Arshdeep swings and doesn't connect. Tector runs in and dives to his right to pouch it safely.

18.3 Matthew Humphreys to Prasidh Krishna, short outside the off-stump, Prasidh cuts it to deep backward point and gets off the mark with a single.

18.1 Matthew Humphreys to Harshit Rana, OUT! HOLES OUT AT DEEP MID-WICKET! Final nail in the coffin, Rana goes this time. Length delivery on the off-stump, Rana tried to club this one over deep mid-wicket, and doesn't get hold of it again and Calitz takes the catch and he's absolutely pumped.

17.6 Jai Moondra to Harshit Rana, DROPPED! Unbelievable at long-on, Tector at long-on spills one of the easiest of catches. Is that the luck India need to win this from here on? Banged in short, Rana clears his front leg again and hits it straight up. Was going straight down the throat of long-on and Tector makes a hash of it.