- Friday, October 18, 2024
Captain Rohit Sharma slammed an unbeaten 52 before retiring hurt but the knock helped his side overhaul the target of 97 set by Ireland with almost seven overs to spare.
By: Shubham Ghosh
INDIA launched their campaign at the T20 World Cup 2024 in style on Wednesday (5) when they crushed Ireland by eight wickets at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, US.
Electing to bowl first after winning the toss, the former champions dismissed the Irish for 96 in 16 overs and then romped home losing just two wickets and with more than seven overs to spare.
For India, captain Rohit Sharma slammed 52 off 37 balls before retiring hurt. While the reason was not known, the opening batter got hit on his shoulder by a bouncer from left-arm seamer Joshua Little and that’s what likely to have caused the injury.
Read: All eyes on Rohit Sharma’s opening partner as India take on Ireland in T20 World Cup
Wicket-keeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who was playing an international match after more than a year due to a horrific car accident, remained not out on 36 off 26 balls to ensure India won the game comfortably.
The two Indian batters who got dismissed are Virat Kohli (1) and Suryakumar Yadav (2). Kohli opened the Indian innings with Sharma after a successful run for his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore in the recently concluded Indian Premier League in that position.
Read: Netherlands secure swift win over Nepal
Mark Adair and Benjamin White took the two wickets for Ireland.
Earlier in the day, Indian pacers proved to be too hot for Ireland batters to handle as they collapsed to 50 for 8 in the 12th over. All four Indian quicks took wickets with Hardik Pandya claiming three for 27 runs in four overs. Jasprit Bumrah, who came to bowl one change, took two for just six runs in three overs. One wicket went to spinner Axar Patel.
Gareth Delany scored the highest for Ireland — 26 off 14 balls — and got run out.
Ireland next play Canada on Friday (7) while India take on archrivals Pakistan on Sunday (9). Both the games will take place at the same venue.
