India lost the first T20I in Belfast on Friday by 34 runs to Ireland, but the biggest moment for those in the Donk district of Rajasthan was the international debut of Ireland left-arm pacer Jai Moondra. The 29-year-old took two wickets, including the first wicket of Sanju Samson, as Ireland registered their first international win over India.Jai ended the match with figures of 2 for 25 in four overs, also dismissing Shivam Dube.Back in Tonk, his family gathered to watch the game. They cheered the Indian batsmen, but they celebrated whenever Jay took a wicket. While they were disappointed with India’s defeat, they said they were proud of Jai’s performance.His mother Vidya Moondra told news agency ANI: “I was sad that India lost, but my son performed well and brought honor to his family, Rajasthan and the country. I am proud of him. He took two wickets. Everyone who watched him played told us to make him a cricketer. After class 10, he focused more on studies as his father wanted him to get a school degree first and then focus on studies.His uncle Kanhaiya Lal Moondra also spoke about the incident.“I can’t describe my joy in words. The passion with which my son played, he created history. I got a lot of calls and he played well. We are sad that India lost but we are proud of our son,” he said.Jai started playing cricket at Tonk under the guidance of coach Imtiaz Ali, the same ground where Indian fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed trains, ANI reported. He represented Tonk and Rajasthan at under-14 level before heading to Ireland in May 2021 to study for an MTech degree.Also read: Who is Jai Mundra? Rajasthan-born Irish pacer makes T20I debut against IndiaWhile studying, he continued to play club cricket and joined Leinster Cricket Club in Dublin. He was part of the team that won the Irish Senior Cup in 2023 and worked his way into Ireland’s domestic system. After obtaining Irish citizenship in 2025, he secured a place in the national team.Jai made an immediate impact as he launched his attack in India’s second innings. He bowled Sanju Samson in his first spell, conceding only seven runs in that over. He returned in the fifth round and allowed just four points.His second wicket came in the 16th over when Shivam Dube bowled the ball back to him and Jai took the last ball of the innings after conceding six runs.He almost took three wickets in the final over but Harshit Rana fell off the last ball. Jay finished 2-for-25 from the field and played a key role in the Irish victory.Ireland and India will meet again in the second T20I in Belfast on Sunday, with the hosts looking to seal the series.
