India vs Ireland, T20 World Cup: 'Toss played a crucial part', Paul Stirling after Ireland succumb to eight-wicket loss

Ireland skipper Paul Stirling admitted that it was a “tough” defeat to India in their 2024 T20 World Cup opener in New York on Wednesday. Stirling added that the toss played a crucial role and that they weren’t ready to see what the pitch at Nassau County International Stadium would offer.

T20 World Cup 2024:  News  |  Schedule  |  Results  |  Points Table

“It was a tough one, the toss played a pretty crucial part, the pitch did a lot and we weren’t up to that challenge. India bowled well and put us under pressure. It was how to go about it, wanted to put pressure back on the bowlers but everything we tried went up in the air. Their lengths were outstanding,” the 33 year-old said after the match.

The right-handed batter stressed on the importance of batting in the middle without losing wickets, and said that’s what they would focus on, before facing Canada on Friday.

“We’ve got a big game or two coming up any time out in the middle is crucial. Hopefully gives us a better run come Friday (against Canada),” added Stirling.

Ireland had been put to bat by India after losing the toss. However, the peculiar behaviour of the pitch once again made the headlines after Ireland were all out for 96. There was a lot of assistance for the seamers, with Hardik Pandya (3/27) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/6) making the most of it.

Bumrah was adjudged Player of the Match and the 30 year-old was pleased with his bowling.

“When you come here and the ball is seaming around with some bounce and pace, I would never complain. You have to be proactive, you can’t preempt things. You realise how the wicket is and then go back to what works for you. Once the seam goes down the pitch does settle down. You have to be prepared to bowl in all conditions, so very happy today,” the Gujarat cricketer said. India will next shift their focus towards Sunday’s game against Pakistan at the same venue.