Belfast weather forecast, India vs Ireland 1st T20I: Check live streaming, pitch report, predicted XIs & more

India will begin a new T20 cycle after their World Cup triumph earlier this year as they take on Ireland in the first of a two-match series in Belfast on Friday. While the focus will remain on team transition under new captain Shreyas Iyer, eyes will also be on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who could make his much-anticipated international debut this evening.

Suryakumar Yadav has been dropped just three months after leading India to its record third T20 World Cup title, and Shreyas Iyer has been named the new captain. He will be expected to guide the team until the next World Cup in 2028, and also in the Los Angeles Olympics next year.

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The biggest talking point, however, remains Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s potential debut. The 15-year-old has been included in the squad after a sensational rise in domestic cricket and IPL 2026, where he broke several records. If Sooryasvanshi gets his maiden cap in the first T20I against Ireland, he will break Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record for the youngest India player in men's international cricket.

Belfast weather forecast

Weather could play a role in the opening game. Forecasts suggest showers are likely during the earlier part of the day in Belfast, but conditions are expected to improve closer to match time. While brief interruptions cannot be ruled out, the rain is not expected to completely wash out the game.

Belfast pitch report

The surface at the Civil Service Cricket Club is expected to have early assistance for seam bowlers, especially under overcast conditions. However, batting should get easier once players settle in. The ground dimensions are also larger and scoring might require some effort.

When and where to watch IND vs IRE 1st T20I?

The first T20I between India and Ireland will take place on Friday, June 26 at Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast. The match will begin at 6:00 PM IST.

How to watch the live telecast of India vs Ireland T20 series?

The live telecast of the India vs Ireland T20 series will be available on Sony Sports Network in India.

How to watch the live streaming of India vs Ireland T20 series?

The live streaming of the India vs Ireland T20 series will be available on the SonyLIV app and website in India.

India vs Ireland, 1st T20I: Predicted playing XIs

India's predicted XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav

Ireland's predicted XI: Tim Tector, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (c & wk), George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Benjamin Calitz, Liam McCarthy, Reuben Wilson, Matthew Hollard, Jai Moondra

India vs Ireland: Squads

Ireland Squad: Tim Tector, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w/c), Gareth Delany, Stephen Doheny, George Dockrell, Benjamin Calitz, Matthew Humphreys, Reuben Wilson, Gavin Hoey, Jai Moondra, Liam McCarthy, Matthew Hollard

India Squad: Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Suryansh Shedge, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav