‌IND vs IRE | Rohit and Pacers star as India go off the mark under testing Nassau conditions

06/05/2024

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India defeated Ireland by eight wickets in their curtain raiser of the T20 World Cup 2024 with the pace unit leading the charge. Hardik Pandya's three-fer was followed by Rohit Sharma’s half-century that set up India’s chase of 97-run target under testing Nassau conditions on Wednesday.

ꦕIreland’s attempt to break the 7-0 losing streak against India did not kick off in the desired way as Arshdeep Singh spit fire with the new ball to back Rohit Sharma’s decision to field first during the toss. Following their lowest-ever powerplay score (26/2) in T20 World Cup, Hardik Pandya complemented by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Axar Patel broke the Irish backbone. The Men in Green lost five wickets in a space of 20 balls to see themselves struggling at 52/8 in 12 overs. Soon, Gareth Delany and Josh Little added 14 runs in the 13th over off Hardik to pave the way for a 16th over before the last pair fell to a suicidal runout, concluding Ireland’s tally at 96.

𝕴In response, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma failed to consolidate a strong opening partnership with the former falling cheaply off Mark Adair in the third over. Rishabh Pant entered the fray at No.3 and the pair found it difficult to middle the ball, resulting in a 39-run powerplay. The Indian contingent added 13 runs in the next two overs before the Indian captain broke the shackles with back-to-back sixes against Josh Little and eventually reached a 36-ball fifty. With India’s score reading 76/1, Rohit trudged off the field with a shoulder injury, followed by Suryakumar Yadav holing out in the deep with just six required off 50 balls. However, it didn’t bother much as Pant’s trademark reverse lap against Mark Adair sealed the deal as India opened their winning account with an eight-wicket triumph.

hat a shot that is!

Rishabh Pant's trademark reverse scooping a fast bowler for a six 🔥

📹 : at the stadium in New York.
— Aditya (@forwardshortleg)

Crazy champ!

In awe of this shot played by Rishabh Pant for a six. 🤯🔥

What a shot to finish off the match in style! 👌
— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01)

He has got that fire in him!

🎉Jasprit Bumrah won the Player of the match award in the first match for India. 🐐
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)

Looks good for bowlers!

Pathetic pitches, absolutely disgusting outfield, do you really wanna grow the sport of cricket in a country like making pitches like this

No world cup vibes👎
— SAI KATHPALIA (@SaiKathpalia)

He is far away!

Rohit sharma khele or record na bane ❤️

600 international sixes
— Samarth Shrivastava (@samarthshri73)

Good win!

Congratulations India!!

🥳🥳🥳🥳 🔥🔥 🔥🔥 🔥🔥
— Rhyah (@Ria_ReoD)

Owner of pull shot!

Rohit Sharma 🤝pull shot

— Sid_tweets🏏⚽️🏸🏑 (@sportysid18)

Obsolutely yes!

🦂Good start for India! The bowlers absolutely destroyed Ireland, especially Bumrah, Pandya, and Arshdeep and brilliant batting by Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant. But honestly, I hope we get a better pitch for India vs Pakistan. This was a really poor pitch.
— Udaykapur18 (@udaykapur18)

He does it so well!