Team India might have comfortably defeated Ireland by eight wickets in their T20 World Cup 2024 opener in New York on Wednesday, but the pitch at the Nassau County International Stadium continued to receive criticism. There was uneven pace and bounce on offer, which made it difficult for batters to adjust. As a result, India’s seamers including Hardik Pandya (3/27) made use of those conditions to see off Ireland for 96.
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Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh collected two wickets each, whereas Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel bagged one wicket. India were largely untroubled in the chase but still lost Virat Kohli (1) early. Rohit Sharma (52) and Rishabh Pant (36*) then forged a half-century stand to set the platform for India’s win.
Former cricketers and cricket experts were critical of the pitch, with some even calling it ”shocking”. To add a bit of context, it was only a couple of days ago when Sri Lanka were dismissed for 77, and in reply, South Africa battled their way to a six-wicket win.
Here are a few reactions to the pitch following the India vs Ireland game:
Shocking pitch … #IREvsIND
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 5, 2024
Trying to sell the game in the states is great .. love it .. but for players to have to play on this sub standard surface in New York is unacceptable .. You work so hard to make it to the WC then have to play on this .. #INDvIRE
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 5, 2024
This pitch in New York is very poor! #IREvsIND
— Mickey Arthur (@Mickeyarthurcr1) June 5, 2024
Applause for Rohit Sharma's half-century. New York easily the most difficult pitch in the world. Not a good advertisement for cricket in US.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 5, 2024
Navjot Singh Sidhu said, "this New York pitch is a witch". pic.twitter.com/RsMN1lvEGd
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 5, 2024
This New York pitch is an embarrassment for the ICC….
— Paul Newman (@Paul_Newman66) June 5, 2024
Have to do something about the pitches. Can't imagine India vs Pakistan on this one.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 5, 2024
This is an excellent pitch in New York. Provided the idea was to get the American audience hooked on to Test cricket disguised as T20. #INDvIRE #T20WorldCup
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 5, 2024
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