India dominated their opening match of the ICC T20 World Cup, thrashing Ireland by 8 wickets with a massive 46 balls to spare.
Electing to bowl first, India’s bowlers strangled the Irish batsmen. Hardik Pandya led the attack with a three-wicket haul, while Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh picked up two wickets each. Ireland could only manage a below-par 96 runs in their 16 overs, with Gareth Delany’s 26 runs the highest score.
Chasing a modest target, India openers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli started cautiously. After Kohli’s dismissal, Rishabh Pant joined Sharma and the pair accelerated the chase. Sharma struck a fluent 52 before retiring hurt, but Pant continued his aggressive knock, finishing unbeaten on 36. India comfortably chased down the target in just 12.2 overs, losing only two wickets.
This emphatic victory puts India in a strong position at the top of Group A. They will be looking to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches.
