Ireland and India are set to clash in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Friday, June 26. The contest marks India’s first T20I assignment since lifting the T20 World Cup 2026 title and also signals the beginning of a new chapter under captain Shreyas Iyer.
The visitors have introduced several fresh faces into their squad following impressive performances in the IPL and domestic circuit. Youngsters such as Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Prince Yadav and Suryansh Shedge will be eager to make an impact, while experienced names like Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh and Ravi Bishnoi provide stability to the squad. India enter the series as overwhelming favourites given their dominant record against Ireland in the shortest format.
Meanwhile, Ireland will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign that saw them finish fourth in their group. Led by Lorcan Tucker, the hosts will rely heavily on players such as Harry Tector, George Dockrell and Gareth Delany to challenge the reigning world champions. Playing in familiar home conditions could give Ireland some confidence heading into the series opener.
IRE vs IND, 1st T20I: Match Details
- Date and Time: June 26, 6:00 PM IST / 12:30 PM GMT / 1:30 PM Local
- Venue: Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast
IRE vs IND, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
Matches played: 8 | IRE won: 0 | IND won: 8
Civil Service Cricket Club Pitch Report
The pitch at the Civil Service Cricket Club has become increasingly batting-friendly in recent T20 matches. While fast bowlers are expected to enjoy some movement with the new ball, batting conditions generally improve once the initial phase passes. The surface offers good pace and carry, allowing batters to play their shots freely after settling in. Recent matches at the venue have produced first-innings scores around the 160-mark, suggesting another competitive batting wicket could be on offer.
Weather conditions are expected to remain pleasant, although cloud cover may assist seamers during the powerplay. Captains winning the toss could prefer bowling first, considering the possibility of chasing under relatively stable conditions.
Squads
Ireland: Lorcan Tucker (c), Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Matthew Humphreys, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Hollard, Liam McCarthy, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Reuben Wilson
India: Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma (vc), Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Sharma, Suryansh Shedge, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube, Prince Yadav, Vaibhav Suryavanshi
IRE vs IND, 1st T20I: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Ireland wins the toss and bowls first
- India’s powerplay score: 60-70
- India’s total score: 190-200
Case 2:
- India wins the toss and bowls first
- Ireland’s powerplay score: 40-50
- Ireland’s total score: 150-160
Match result: Team bowling to win the contest.
