India defeated Ireland by eight wickets at New York’s Nassau County International Stadium on Wednesday to begin their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign on a confident note.
The ongoing T20 World Cup will not only be Rahul Dravid’s final assignment in his current term as India head coach, it will also possibly be the last time Indian cricket fans get to witness Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli feature in a World Cup together. And on Wednesday, the Men in Blue got their campaign off to confident start with a solid all-round display.
Hardik Pandya (3/27), Jasprit Bumrah (2/6) and Arshdeep (2/35) led the way for the Men in Blue as Ireland crumbled in the face of sustained pressure from the pace-heavy Indian attack, getting bundled out for 97. They would’ve been shot out for a lot less had it not been for Gareth Delany’s fighting knock of 26 off 14 balls.
Skipper Rohit (52) and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant (36 not out) would then steady the ship for the Indians after Kohli was dismissed for 1 in the powerplay, adding 54 for the second wicket. Rohit had to retire hurt right after bringing up his half-century in 36 deliveries, having been hit on his right arm that had been causing him discomfort.
Pant stuck around till the end and got his team over the line with a six.
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