India endured a disappointing tour of Ireland as the hosts secured a historic 2-0 T20I series victory in Belfast. It was Ireland's first-ever bilateral T20 series win over India and one of the biggest achievements in their cricket history. The defeat also marked India's first T20 bilateral series loss since 2023, raising serious questions over the team's batting consistency and execution under pressure. The opening match set the tone for the series. After Ireland recovered brilliantly from early setbacks to post 182/9, India's batting failed to cope with disciplined bowling and was bowled out for 148, handing the hosts a memorable 34-run victory.
Lorcan Tucker led Ireland's fightback with a crucial half-century, while the bowlers capitalised on India's reckless shot selection and middle-order collapse.India needed a win in the second T20I to keep the series alive, but another batting collapse proved costly. Chasing 154, the visitors lost wickets at regular intervals despite Tilak Varma's fighting half-century. Ireland's bowlers, led by Jai Moondra and Matthew Hollard, held their nerve in the closing overs as India finished on 153/9, falling short by just one run. The series exposed India's fragile batting, inability to build partnerships and failure to handle pressure in key moments. In contrast, Ireland produced disciplined performances with both bat and ball, completing a famous clean sweep that will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Irish cricket.
Australia-W eliminate India-W, Ireland complete historic T20I series sweep over Men in Blue
India's campaign in the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup came to a heartbreaking end after a six-wicket defeat to Australia at Lord's on Sunday. The loss knocked Harmanpreet Kaur's side out of the tournament, while Australia finished the group stage unbeaten and booked a semi-final clash with the West Indies. South Africa also progressed after Australia's victory. After winning the toss, India produced one of their best batting performances of the tournament, posting a competitive 170/4. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a blistering 56 off just 26 deliveries, while Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided a solid platform at the top. India looked well placed to defend the total on a good batting surface and kept Australia under pressure during the early stages of the chase.
However, Australia's experienced middle order turned the game around. Ellyse Perry anchored the innings with a composed 56, while Ash Gardner remained unbeaten on 52 to stitch together a match-winning 100-run partnership. India also paid the price for costly fielding errors and dropped catches, allowing Australia to complete the highest successful run chase in Women's T20 World Cup history with six wickets in hand.
Despite showing promise with the bat, India's inability to capitalise on key moments in the field proved decisive. The defeat ended their hopes of reaching the semi-finals and marked another disappointing exit from a global tournament. Australia, meanwhile, continued their dominant run and strengthened their status as favourites to lift the Women's T20 World Cup title.
