Ireland and India will begin their T20I series with the first match at Stormont Cricket Ground in Belfast on June 26. India enter the contest as reigning T20 World Cup champions, while Ireland will look to challenge one of the strongest teams in world cricket on home soil.
Match Details
Venue: Stormont Cricket Ground, Belfast
Date: June 26, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM IST, 5:30 PM PST, 12:30 PM GMT
Team Overviews
Ireland view this series as an important opportunity to test themselves against elite opposition. The hosts last appeared in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where they failed to progress from a challenging group featuring Australia, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Oman. Ireland possess several experienced players in their squad and will aim to use home conditions to put pressure on India.
India begin a new chapter in T20 International cricket after successfully defending their T20 World Cup title and becoming the first team to win the tournament three times. The series also marks Shreyas Iyer’s first assignment as India’s full-time T20I captain. With several young players included in the squad, India will look to continue their dominance in the shortest format while building towards future global events.
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the match is the possible debut of 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Cricket fans around the world will closely follow the youngster if he receives an opportunity in the playing XI.
Key Players
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could attract the most attention in this contest. The teenage prodigy recently produced remarkable performances in age-group and domestic cricket, including a blistering 94-run knock against Sri Lanka A in the final of a Tri-Nation series. His fearless approach and attacking stroke play make him one of the most exciting young talents in the game.
Shreyas Iyer will also have an important role as India’s new captain. His leadership and experience in the middle order could prove valuable as India begin a fresh era in T20 cricket.
For Ireland, Lorcan Tucker remains one of the key figures in the batting lineup. The captain and wicketkeeper will be responsible for leading from the front against a high-quality Indian bowling attack.
Arshdeep Singh is expected to spearhead India’s bowling unit. With Jasprit Bumrah absent from the squad, the left-arm pacer will carry additional responsibility and will look to make early breakthroughs with the new ball.
Head-to-Head Record
Ireland and India have faced each other eight times in T20 Internationals.
Matches Played: 8
Ireland Won: 0
India Won: 8
No Result: 0
First-ever Fixture: June 10, 2009 (India won)
Most Recent Fixture: June 5, 2024 (India won)
India have maintained a perfect record against Ireland in T20Is and will aim to extend that streak in Belfast.
Pitch Report
The Stormont Cricket Ground pitch generally offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. The surface contains a healthy covering of grass and usually provides true bounce, allowing batters to play their shots with confidence once they settle.
Fast bowlers can expect assistance with the new ball through seam movement and swing, particularly during the early overs. However, as the innings progresses, batting becomes easier and teams can score heavily if they preserve wickets. The conditions should produce an entertaining contest between bat and ball.
Probable Playing XIs
Ireland (Captain: Lorcan Tucker): Ross Adair, Stephen Doheny, Lorcan Tucker (c & wk), Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Liam McCarthy, Gavin Hoey, Reuben Wilson.
India (Captain: Shreyas Iyer): Vaibhav Sooryavanshi/Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna.
Live Streaming and Broadcast
India: Sony Sports Network channels on television and Sony Liv app and website for live streaming.
Pakistan: Official broadcast information has not been provided in the available match details.
United Kingdom: Official broadcast information has not been provided in the available match details.
Australia: Official broadcast information has not been provided in the available match details.
Global Viewers: Sony Liv app and website are listed as the official streaming platforms in the available match information, subject to regional availability.
Probable Match Scenarios
Ireland will hope to utilize home conditions and make early inroads with the new ball. A powerplay score between 45 and 55 could help them build towards a total in the range of 170 to 190 if they bat first.
India possess one of the most powerful batting lineups in the contest and are projected to score between 195 and 225 if they bat first. A strong powerplay score between 55 and 70 could allow the visitors to dictate terms throughout the innings.
The opening overs may prove crucial, particularly with seam movement expected to assist fast bowlers. Whichever team handles the new ball more effectively could gain a significant advantage.
Match Prediction
India enter the series opener as overwhelming favourites. They possess greater depth in both batting and bowling, arrive with the confidence of being reigning T20 World Cup champions, and hold a flawless record against Ireland in this format.
Ireland will enjoy home support and conditions that may initially assist their bowlers, but they will need exceptional performances across all departments to challenge the visitors. The hosts have talented players capable of making an impact, yet India’s overall quality and experience provide them with a significant advantage.
If India’s batting lineup adapts quickly to the conditions, the visitors should control large portions of the game. Based on current form, squad strength, and historical record, India are favourites to win the first T20I and take an early lead in the series.
