India showcased a commanding performance to defeat Ireland by eight wickets in the second Group A match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.
Chasing a modest target of 96, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front with a stellar innings of 52 off 37 balls, studded with seven boundaries, ensuring a swift and comprehensive victory for his side.
Earlier, the Indian bowlers delivered an exceptional collective effort to bowl out Ireland for a mere 96 runs. Hardik Pandya was the standout performer with figures of 3 for 27, while Jasprit Bumrah impressed with a miserly spell, taking 2 wickets for just 6 runs. Arshdeep Singh also contributed effectively with 2 for 35, and Axar Patel along with Mohammed Siraj chipped in with a wicket each.
Ireland's batting lineup struggled from the outset, with only Gareth Delany making a notable contribution of 26 runs. Josh Little (14), Lorcan Tucker (10), and Curtis Campher (12) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures, highlighting the dominance of the Indian bowlers.
Upon winning the toss, Indian captain Rohit Sharma had elected to bowl first, citing their familiarity with the pitch conditions from a previous warm-up match against Bangladesh. "Having played on a similar pitch, we understand what to expect. It's important to use our experience here," Rohit said.
India's strategic team selection featured four seamers, including Hardik Pandya, and two spin-bowling all-rounders in Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja. The decision proved fruitful as the bowlers effectively dismantled the Irish batting lineup.
The Indian chase was off to a steady start with Virat Kohli opening alongside Rohit Sharma. Despite the early loss of Kohli, Rohit's aggressive innings ensured that India reached the target comfortably. Rishabh Pant, batting at No.3, provided support with an unbeaten 22, sealing the victory.
This win solidifies India's position in the group, showcasing their depth and versatility in both batting and bowling as they aim for World Cup glory.
Playing XIs:
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.
Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Andy Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Josh Little, Ben White.
