Ireland stuns India in T20 World Cup champions' curse match in Belfast
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 6:13 PM
Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Ireland defeated India by 34 runs in a T20I match in Belfast on June 26, 2026, marking a historic victory as it was Ireland's first win over India in any format. Shreyas Iyer's captaincy debut began on a difficult note, as India became the third consecutive T20 World Cup champion to lose their opening match after claiming the title. Ireland set a target of 183 runs, led by captain Lorcan Tucker's 50 and Gareth Delany's 49. Despite promising bowling performances from India's pacers, they were bowled out for 148, with Abhishek Sharma scoring a brisk 50. The defeat highlights ongoing challenges for teams defending the T20 World Cup crown.
- •Ireland achieved its first win over India in cricket history.
- •India fell to 148 all out, chasing 183 runs.
- •Matt Hollard was named player of the match with three wickets.
- •Shreyas Iyer's first match as captain ends in defeat.
- •India becomes the third consecutive T20 World Cup champion to lose first match.
- 10:15 PMYahoo Sports — World champions' curse strikes again as India suffer historic Ireland shock
- 6:13 PMYahoo Sports — India under Shreyas Iyer become latest victims of T20 World Cup champions' curse after shocking defeat to Ireland
"India's T20 World Cup reign began with a shock 34-run defeat to Ireland in Belfast, continuing a bizarre trend of recent champions losing their first T20I post-victory. Ireland's bowlers, including debutants, stifled India's chase after a competitive 182. This historic win for Ireland marks a disappointing start for new Indian captain Shreyas Iyer and extends an unusual statistic for T20 World Cup holders.
"The curse of being a World T20 champion continues to plague team India, as after Shubman Gill two years ago, this time it is Shreyas Iyer who lost his first match as captain.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 26, 2026, 10:15 PMWorld champions' curse strikes again as India suffer historic Ireland shock
India's T20 World Cup reign began with a shock 34-run defeat to Ireland in Belfast, continuing a bizarre trend of recent champions losing their first T20I post-victory. Ireland's bowlers, including debutants, stifled India's chase after a competitive 182. This historic win for Ireland marks a disappointing start for new Indian captain Shreyas Iyer and extends an unusual statistic for T20 World Cup holders.
- Yahoo SportsJun 26, 2026, 6:13 PMIndia under Shreyas Iyer become latest victims of T20 World Cup champions' curse after shocking defeat to Ireland
The curse of being a World T20 champion continues to plague team India, as after Shubman Gill two years ago, this time it is Shreyas Iyer who lost his first match as captain.
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