NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Jasprit Bumrah led India’s pace attack to a resounding triumph over Ireland, setting the stage for Rohit Sharma’s scintillating half-century, guiding the team to an emphatic eight-wicket win on Wednesday at the Twenty20 World Cup.
Sharma, displaying sublime form, notched a brisk 52 runs off just 37 balls, adorned with four boundaries and three towering sixes, before retiring hurt. Rishabh Pant contributed an unbeaten 36 off 26 deliveries as India comfortably chased down Ireland’s modest total of 96, reaching 97 for 2 in 12.2 overs.
The Indian bowlers, spearheaded by all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s impressive figures of 3-27, orchestrated Ireland’s downfall, with Bumrah claiming 2-6 and left-armer Arshdeep Singh clinching 2-35, underscoring the dominance of pace, which accounted for eight of the 10 Irish wickets.
Reflecting on the match, Sharma acknowledged the significance of early breakthroughs, stating, “Early wickets set the tone for us. It was good to spend time on this wicket, although it didn’t change too much in the second innings. We will prepare for the Pakistan game as if the conditions will be similar.”
India is poised to clash with arch-rivals Pakistan in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter, marking the marquee match of the league stage on Sunday.
In other fixtures later on Wednesday, Uganda clinched its maiden victory in a T20 World Cup match, edging past Papua New Guinea in a low-scoring thriller at Guyana, while Marcus Stoinis showcased an all-around display, notching a half-century and claiming three wickets to propel 2021 champion Australia to a 39-run triumph against Oman.
India’s decision to field four fast bowlers in their tournament opener proved astute, with Arshdeep wreaking havoc under overcast conditions, dismantling Ireland’s top order and leaving them reeling at 9-2.
Despite a brief resistance from Gareth Delany, who top-scored with 26, Ireland struggled to build partnerships and succumbed to India’s relentless bowling attack.
Sharma and Virat Kohli, in a tactical reshuffle, opened the innings for India, but the latter’s dismissal early in the innings failed to disrupt India’s momentum as Sharma anchored the chase before retiring hurt.
Making a comeback after an 18-month hiatus, Pant displayed composure and finishing prowess, steering India to victory with a reverse-hit six.
Uganda’s Riazat Ali Shah emerged as the hero in their historic win against Papua New Guinea, defying difficult conditions to guide his team to a hard-fought victory, while Stoinis orchestrated Australia’s triumph with a stellar performance, both with bat and ball.
Australia’s win wasn’t devoid of challenges, as Oman posed a brief threat, but Stoinis’ heroics ensured a comfortable victory for the reigning champions.
Left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc provided an early breakthrough for Australia, setting the tone for a disciplined bowling display that stifled Oman’s batting lineup, with Stoinis claiming three crucial wickets to cap off a stellar performance and earn the player-of-the-match accolade.
