Photo Credit: The Suncity News
New Delhi, June 5, 2024: India began their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a dominant 8-wicket victory over Ireland, riding on a fiery bowling performance and a composed half-century from captain Rohit Sharma.
India bowled out Ireland cheaply:
India bowled Ireland out for just 96 runs, with the bowlers exploiting the spicy New York surface perfectly after Rohit won the toss and elected to field.
Hardik Pandya led the attack with figures of 3/27, while Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah picked up two wickets each. Mohammad Siraj and Axar Patel also shipped in with a wicket apiece.
Ireland crumbles under pressure:
Ireland’s batters appeared completely rattled by India’s pace and bounce. Although they lost only two wickets in the power play, they struggled to score freely.
Harry Tector, repeatedly struck on the glove before a vicious short ball from Bumrah forced a mis-timed pull that ballooned off his helmet to short extra cover.
Ireland failed to build any partnerships and folded without resistance.
Rohit leads the chase with a half-century:
attacking, keen to capitalize on the hard new ball and power play fielding restrictions.
Kohli fell early, caught at deep third while attempting to hit Mark Adair over the covers.
Rohit, however, looked in complete control, smashing 52 off 37 balls before retiring hurt after taking a knock on his upper arm. Rishabh Pant (36 off 26) anchored the innings and finished the chase with a reverse-scoop boundary, sealing the win in 12.2 overs.
Also Read: The BCCI announced the Team India Squad for the T20 World Cup.
EOM.