T20 World Cup: India defeat Ireland by 8 wickets to begin campaign on winning note

Hardik Pandya (3/27), Jasprit Bumrah (2/6) and Arshdeep Singh (2/35) helped India bowl Ireland out for 97. Skipper Rohit Sharma (52 off 37) then joined forces with Rishabh Pant (36 not out off 26) to help the Men in Blue chase the target down with nearly eight overs to spare.

FirstCricket Staff|Jun 06, 2024, 10:25:02 IST

India defeated Ireland by eight wickets at New York's Nassau County International Stadium on Wednesday to begin their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign on a confident note.

The Indian players walk out to the centre at the start of their T20 World Cup Group A match against Ireland in New York. AP

The ongoing T20 World Cup will not only be Rahul Dravid's final assignment in his current term as India head coach, it will also possibly be the last time Indian cricket fans get to witness Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli feature in a World Cup together. And on Wednesday, the Men in Blue got their campaign off to confident start with a solid all-round display.

Pacer Jasprit Bumrah ws the pick of the bowlers for his haul of 2/6 from three overs, which included a maiden. AP

Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah shared five wickets between them as India bowled Ireland out for 96 after opting to field first. AP

Hardik Pandya (3/27), Jasprit Bumrah (2/6) and Arshdeep (2/35) led the way for the Men in Blue as Ireland crumbled in the face of sustained pressure from the pace-heavy Indian attack, getting bundled out for 97. They would've been shot out for a lot less had it not been for Gareth Delany's fighting knock of 26 off 14 balls.

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Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant shared a second-wicket partnership worth 54 after India lost the wicket of Virat Kohli early. AP

Rohit Sharma became only the second cricketer after India to score 4,000 or more T20I runs for India. AP

Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten on 36 off 26 balls, hitting a six off Barry McCarthy to seal India's victory. AP

Skipper Rohit (52) and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant (36 not out) would then steady the ship for the Indians after Kohli was dismissed for 1 in the powerplay, adding 54 for the second wicket. Rohit had to retire hurt right after bringing up his half-century in 36 deliveries, having been hit on his right arm that had been causing him discomfort.

Rishabh Pant and Shivam Dube shake hands with members of the Irish team after guiding India to victory. PTI

Pant stuck around till the end and got his team over the line with a six.

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