dpMore than 4,000 fans poured into Stormont on Friday hoping to witness a slice of cricket history under the Belfast sun.
In the end, that’s exactly what they got.
But it wasn’t the “I was there” moment they had anticipated.
The build-up to Ireland and India’s opening T20 was dominated by the possibility of the world champions handing a record-breaking debut to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
At 15 years and 91 days old, he appeared set to become India’s youngest international after an impossible-to-miss ascension to the national squad following his stunning exploits in the Indian Premier League.
But the batting sensation’s surprise absence from the line-up ultimately proved a footnote on a day that belonged to Ireland as the hosts sealed a memorable 34-run win.
Despite missing six players through injury, Ireland produced a gutsy bowling display to claim a first senior international win over the tourists in all competitions – and add to a list of famous scalps that includes Pakistan and England at the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.
One of the key actors in Ireland’s stirring display was India-born pacer Jai Moondra, who took 2-26 on an eye-catching international debut that included removing Sanju Samson with his first delivery.
“It was a big stage for me, for my family and my team members, they were all rooting for me so all I can do is keep calm and keep doing what I have been doing because it’s kept me levelling up,” said Moondra, who added he will “cherish” his debut for the “rest of my life”.
“I was feeling excitement at the same time. Testing myself against India and getting a first-ball wicket, I was trying not to be overwhelmed because we still had nine wickets to go.
“It is a dream come true to get on to an international platform and play against India. It’s something special, a class feeling.”
