India kicked off their T20 World Cup campaign with a convincing eight-wicket win over Ireland in New York ahead of this weekend’s mega showdown with Pakistan.
India, bidding to win their second and first T20 World Cup since the inaugural edition in 2007, thrashed Ireland for 96 in the 16th over with Hardik Pandya taking three wickets and Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh picking up two wickets each on a bowler-friendly pitch.
Virat Kohli, the leading run-scorer in all T20 World Cups, was dismissed for one in the run-chasing run chase, while captain Rohit Sharma (52 off 37) was caught for two by Andy Balbirny at slip before scoring fifty off 36 balls and then being forced to leave injured with a shoulder injury.
Rishabh Pant (36 off 26) reverse-scooped Barry McCarthy to deep third base for a six with 46 balls to spare to seal a resounding victory for India.
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Indian fans were momentarily silent as they were shocked that Virat Kohli managed just one run in the match against Ireland.
India to face Pakistan, live broadcast Sky Sportsat the same venue on Sunday (3.30pm). They have beaten the team in six of their seven previous T20 World Cup matches, including the last one in Australia in 2022.
Ireland’s next match is on Friday (3:30 p.m.), also in New York, against Canada, who will be looking to bounce back from their opening loss to co-hosts the USA.
More to come later.
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