In an exciting encounter at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, India triumphed over Ireland by eight wickets in yesterday’s 2024 T20 World Cup match. After opting to bowl first on a challenging batting pitch, the Men in Blue bowled out the Irish team for a mere 96 runs in 16 overs. Hardik Pandya’s impressive 3-27 and Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar 2-6 from three overs were pivotal in India’s commanding performance.
India’s bowlers set the tone early. Arshdeep Singh dismantled Ireland’s top order, dismissing both openers in the third over. Paul Stirling (2) fell to a leading edge while attempting a heave, and Andy Balbirnie (5) was clean-bowled by a delivery that nipped away.
Pandya further strengthened India’s grip by cleaning up Lorcan Tucker (10) with a delivery that nipped back in. Harry Tector (4) succumbed to a bouncer from Bumrah, resulting in a simple catch off a gloved shot. Ireland was struggling at 44-5 after nine overs when Curtis Campher (12) edged a length ball from Pandya that moved slightly.
Mohammed Siraj joined the action, dismissing George Dockrell (3) who top-edged a pull to mid-on. Mark Adair (3) then guided a short, wide delivery from Pandya straight to the fielder at deep point. Axar Patel showcased his fielding prowess by taking a stunning catch off his own bowling to send Barry McCarthy back for a duck.
A brief resistance from Gareth Delany (26 off 14) and Joshua Little (14 off 13) added 27 runs for the ninth wicket, pushing Ireland past the 75-run mark. Bumrah ended Little’s stint with a perfect yorker. Delany, after hitting Arshdeep for a six and two fours in the 16th over, was run out following a mix-up with Ben White.
Rohit and Pant Lead India’s Chase
Chasing a modest target of 97, India lost Virat Kohli early for 1 as he top-edged a delivery from Adair to deep point. However, skipper Rohit Sharma (52 off 37) and Rishabh Pant (36 off 26)* ensured there were no further hiccups despite struggling for fluency on the sluggish pitch. Their perseverance paid off as they steadily built the innings.
Rohit brought up a well-deserved half-century, featuring four fours and three sixes, before retiring hurt. Pant kept the momentum going with three fours and two sixes. Although Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed for just two, Pant remained steadfast, sealing India’s victory in style with a spectacular reverse scoop for a six off McCarthy.
Star Performers and Player of the Match
Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional bowling performance, yielding figures of 2-6, earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award. Hardik Pandya’s three-wicket haul and Arshdeep Singh’s early breakthroughs were crucial. For Ireland, Gareth Delany top-scored with 26 off 14, while Adair and White managed a wicket each.
In summary, it was a dominant display by India, showcasing both their bowling prowess and batting depth, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next match in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
