More than 4,000 fans flocked to Stormont on Friday hoping to see a piece of cricket history under the Belfast sun.
In the end, that’s what they got.
But it wasn’t the “I was there” moment they were expecting.
The lead-up to Ireland vs India’s first T20 was dominated by the possibility of the world champions handing a record-breaking debut to Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
At 15 years and 91 days, he looks set to become Team India’s youngest ever player after an incredible rise into the national team following his stunning exploits in the Indian Premier League.
But the sensation’s surprising absence from the line-up ultimately became a footnote on a day that belonged to Ireland as the hosts cruised to a memorable 34-run victory.
Despite missing six players through injury, Ireland produced a fearless bowling performance to claim a first international victory over the tourists in all senior competitions – and join a list of famous scalps that includes Pakistan and England at the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.
One of the key players in Ireland’s thrilling performance was Indian-born pacer Jai Mundra, who took 2-26 on a scintillating international debut that included removing Sanju Samson with his first delivery.
“It was a big milestone for me, for my family and my team members, they were all rooting for me, so all I can do is stay calm and keep doing what I was doing because it helped me take me to the next level,” Mundra said, adding that he will “cherish” his debut “for the rest of my life.”
โAt the same time, I felt excited. Testing my strength against India and getting a wicket for the first ball, I tried not to overload because we still had nine wickets left.
โTo go on an international platform and play against India is a dream come true. Itโs something special, a feeling of class.โ