India showcased a dominant performance as they beat Ireland by eight wickets in their Group A game at the T20 World Cup on Wednesday, thanks to a combination of disciplined bowling and steady batting.
Rohit Sharma led the charge with a 36-ball half-century, scoring 52 off 37 balls before retiring hurt. Rishabh Pant added an unbeaten 36 off 26 balls, guiding India to a comfortable victory by reaching 97-2 in just 12.2 overs.
The foundation for the win was laid by the Indian pacers, who exploited the bowler-friendly conditions to great effect. Hardik Pandya was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-27, while Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh took two wickets each. Bumrah’s economical spell of 2-6 in three overs and Singh’s 2-35 were pivotal in restricting Ireland to 96 all out in 16 overs.
Ireland, put into bat under overcast conditions, struggled against the new ball. Arshdeep Singh struck early, bowling Andrew Balbirnie for five and having Paul Stirling caught behind. Despite being wayward at times, Singh’s initial burst set the tone for the innings.
Ireland reeling at 44-5 after nine overs
Pandya continued the momentum, dismissing Loran Tucker and Curtis Campher quickly. Bumrah also contributed by removing Harry Tector, leaving Ireland reeling at 44-5 after nine overs. The wickets continued to tumble, and Ireland found themselves at 50-8 by the 11.2-over mark.
Gareth Delany provided some resistance, top-scoring with 26 and adding 27 runs with Joshua Little (14) for the ninth wicket, helping Ireland inch closer to 100.
Chasing a below-par total, India lost Virat Kohli early for one run, caught at third man off Mark Adair. Opening the innings with Sharma, Kohli’s dismissal did little to shake India’s confidence. Sharma and Pant stabilized the innings with a 54-run partnership off 44 balls. Sharma’s half-century included four fours and three sixes before he retired hurt due to a hit on his right arm from Joshua Little.
Pant continued the assault, hitting three fours and two sixes, and finished the match with a reverse hit six over the slip cordon. Suryakumar Yadav, who came in after Sharma, was caught in the deep for two runs.
Face arch-rivals Pakistan next
India will face arch-rivals Pakistan next in a highly anticipated clash on June 9, while Ireland will play against Canada on June 7.
“Early wickets set the tone for us,” said Sharma. “It was good to spend time on this wicket, although it didn’t change too much in the second innings. We will prepare for the Pakistan game as if the conditions will be similar.”
Scores: Ireland: 96 all out in 16 overs (Gareth Delany 26, Joshua Little 14; Hardik Pandya 3-27, Jasprit Bumrah 2-6, Arshdeep Singh 2-35) India: 97-2 in 12.2 overs (Rohit Sharma 52 retired hurt, Rishabh Pant 36 not out; Mark Adair 1-27) India won by 8 wickets.
