India began their T20 World Cup campaign with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Ireland in New York ahead of their blockbuster showdown against Pakistan this weekend.
India – seeking a second T20 World Cup title and first since the inaugural edition in 2007 – steamrolled Ireland for 96 in 16 overs on a bowler-friendly pitch, with Hardik Pandya winning three wickets and Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh taking two each in a clinical display.
Virat Kohli, the highest run-scorer in all T20 World Cups, was dismissed for a goal in the chase, but skipper Rohit Sharma (52 off 37) then scored a 36-ball fifty after being dropped on two by Andy Balbirnie at slip. before retiring with a shoulder injury.
Rishabh Pant (36 off 26) completed India’s dominant win with 46 balls remaining when he bowled Barry McCarthy over third over for six.
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There was a moment of silence with stunned Indian fans when Virat Kohli fell just a single goal short in his team’s match against Ireland.
India to face Pakistan, live Aerial sportsat the same venue on Sunday (3:30 p.m.), a team they have beaten six times out of seven in completed T20 World Cup matches, including in the previous edition in Australia in 2022.
Ireland’s next match is against Canada on Friday (3:30 p.m.), also in New York, with Canada looking to bounce back from an opening defeat to co-hosts USA.
More soon.
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