The United States defeats Ireland in a historic T20I match.

On Wednesday, the United States stunned Ireland with a 26-run victory in their first Twenty20 international home game against an established cricketing team. The Americans appeared to be in for a letdown after slumping to 16 for four inside five overs in the encounter at Lauderhill, but Sushant Modani (50) and Gajanand Singh (65) enabled them achieve a solid 188-6.

Opener Paul Stirling hit a quick 31 as Ireland reached 41-1, but when he was bowled by Saurabh Netravalkar in the fifth over, the Irish effort stalled. Despite Lorcan Tucker’s unbroken 57, Ireland lost wickets on a frequent basis and was unable to gain any momentum as the US maintained a firm hold on the proceedings.

When Ali Khan bowled William McClintock in the 18th over, there was no way back for Ireland, who concluded on 162-6. Ireland will play another Twenty20 match against the United States, as well as three one-day internationals, before heading to the Caribbean to face the West Indies in three one-day internationals in January.

Ireland’s visit was the first occasion the United States hosted a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC).