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'Black day in Indian cricket': Fans react as men lose T20I series to Ireland, women crash out of T20 World Cup group stage originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- India men lose T20I series 2-0 to Ireland, ending their 16-series winning run.
- India women crash out of T20 World Cup after losing to Australia.
- Fans and experts react to a tough day for Indian cricket.
Indian cricket suffers double blow in same weekend
Cricket fans across India endured a brutal weekend, as the men's team suffered a historic series defeat to Ireland while the women's side was knocked out of the T20 World Cup on Sunday evening.
Ireland completed a stunning 2-0 sweep over the reigning T20 World Cup champions, winning the second T20I in Belfast by a single run after already claiming their first-ever victory over India in the series opener two days earlier. The result brought an end to India's remarkable run of 16 consecutive bilateral T20I series wins.
For Ireland, this triumph instantly ranks among the finest moments in their cricketing history, which has drawn comparisons to Kevin O'Brien's legendary century that stunned England at the 2011 ODI World Cup.
However, sweeping a full T20I series against the world champions is arguably an even bigger statement.
MORE: Has Ireland ever won a T20I series?
While the men's side was dealing with its own setback, India's women cricketers were enduring a painful exit of their own at the T20 World Cup as Harmanpreet Kaur's team lost by six wickets to Australia at Lord's, and subsequently got knocked out of the tournament at the group stage.
Australia finished their group campaign unbeaten and now move on to face West Indies in the semi-finals, while South Africa also advanced after defeating Bangladesh earlier the same day.
Chasing India's total of 170 for four, Australia got home with six wickets and an over still in hand. Phoebe Litchfield, back from injury, combined with Beth Mooney for a 50-run second-wicket stand to set the chase rolling, and although India briefly sniffed a way back into the contest at 68 for three, Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner steadied things with a composed, calculated partnership that steered Australia comfortably to the finish line.
Harmanpreet's own counterattacking innings of 56 off just 27 balls deserved a better fate, but ultimately that was not the case.
MORE: Has an India captain ever lost their first T20I series?
Indian fans and experts react to a difficult weekend
The dual setbacks triggered an outpouring of reaction on social media. One fan described it as a dark day in Indian cricket history, pointing out how both the men's and women's teams suffered crushing results within minutes of each other.
@Rajiv1841 wrote: "Black Day in history of Indian Cricket!! India's men team got cleansweeped by Ireland & women team got knocked out from T2OI WC in space of 15 minutes.."
@prasannalara echoed the same thought and wrote: "It’s fire land in Belfast. What a series win this for Ireland. World champions humbled. Ireland prove first T20 is a no fluke win. Not every where featherbed pitches like IPL can be expected and hopefully the lessons will be learned soon."
MORE: Who is JaI Moondra? Indian-born Ireland pacer gets Sanju Samson twice in a row
Eminent commentator, Harsha Bhogle wrote: "The future in the women's game in India, is to develop players with a power game. The game moved some time ago and it is increasingly apparent now. And being an athlete has to be non-negotiable."
@ragav_x launched a scathing attack and said:" India is still avg team outside home , be it Men's or Women's. Both won WCs at home lost today in UK."
He added: "Next T20 World Cup is in Australia & New Zealand, by the way. Hope this is a wake up call. Let's also not forget we also have the LA Olympics in July 2028, where cricket is returning after 128 years. It's probably our best chance to bring home a Olympics gold medal, and we can't mess that up."
Summing up the chaos of the weekend, @ErikaMorris79 wrote: "What a weekend for cricket. Ben Stokes retires. India Women crash out of the World Cup at the group stage. India Men lose the series 2-0 to Ireland. Ireland Women beat West Indies. If you thought you could predict this sport, think again. Legends bow out. Underdogs make statements. Cricket doesn't care about reputation, it only cares about what happens between on the pitch. And that's exactly why we love this game."
Tough day for Indian fans
Days like this sting, but they also tell a deeper story. Both Indian sides looked vulnerable away from home conditions that typically favour them, and that's a pattern worth taking seriously rather than dismissing as bad luck.
MORE: After 'ball of the IPL' to Kohli, Prince picks wicket on India T20I debut against Ireland
With a World Cup in unfamiliar conditions and an Olympic debut both on the horizon, this weekend should serve as a wake-up call rather than be dismissed as just a bad day at the office.
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