Moondra's spell handed Ireland their first-ever win against India across formats.
Jai Moondra celebrated a dream international debut by helping Ireland secure a historic 34-run victory over world champions India in the first T20I at Belfast on Friday (June 26).
The Rajasthan-born left-arm medium pacer clean bowled Sanju Samson with the very first delivery of his international career. He then dismissed Shivam Dube to return with the impressive figures of 2/25 in four overs.
His spell handed Ireland their first-ever win against India across formats. No wonder, Moondra was proud of his achievement
"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 after the match.
"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," he added.
Moondra was born in Tonk, Rajasthan in 1997. He moved to Ireland in 2021 to earn his Master’s degree in Electronics and Communication, and left a promising corporate job to pursue his cricket dreams and joined the Leinster Cricket Club in Dublin.
The 29-year-old gained Irish citizenship in 2025 and is only the second Asian cricketer to represent Ireland.
"Cricket Ireland gave me the opportunity. I'm really fortunate for that. It's nothing more than doing the duty. I'm just doing what I have been doing. It is still sinking in, but it is a small step in a big ladder, and hopefully there's more to come," Moondra said.
Coming to the match, Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker hit a crucial 50 off 36 balls and Gareth Delany smashed a quickfire 49 off 32 balls, driving their team to a competitive 182/9 after the hosts were reduced to 30/3 inside the powerplay.
India's response collapsed completely despite a fiery half-century by opener Abhishek Sharma, who scored 50 runs off just 20 balls. The remainder of the batting order crumbled under pressure, leaving the visitors all out for 148 in 18.5 overs.
This outcome leaves Ireland just one victory away from a historic series triumph over one of world cricket's powerhouse nations. The series-deciding second T20I will be played at the same venue on Sunday (June 28).