India thrash Ireland in their T20 WC opener, registers 8-wicket win

NEW YORK: In their first match of Twenty20 World Cup, India had a rather easy outing and beat Ireland by eight wickets. India chased down the target of 97 runs in just 13.2 overs with the loss of two wickets.

Score: Ireland 96-10 (16), India 97-2 (13.2)

Chasing the target of 97 runs, captain Rohit Sharma, scored 52*(37) before getting retired hurt. India lost the wickets of Rohit's opening partner Virat Kohli 1(5) and Suryakumar Yadav 2(4). Rishabh Pant 36(26) and Shivam Dubey remained unbeaten.

After winning the toss and bowling first, India put up a tight bowling performance against Ireland. The Irish team suffered a massive collapse at 7 for 49 on one occasion and reached 96 runs following rescue attempts by Gareth Delaney's 26(14) and Joshua Little's 14(13).

Hardik Pandya took three wickets while Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah took two wickets each for India. Axar Patel and Mohammad Siraj shared a wicket each. India's next match is against Pakistan on June 9 (Sunday).