In a dominating fashion, India started off its T20 World Cup campaign with a smooth win against Ireland on June 05 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. India won the first group stage match against Ireland by 8 wickets.
Captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to field. With Hardik Pandya taking three wickets, Ireland was swept out of the field at a petty total of 96.
Arshdeep Singh and veteran Jasprit Bumrah also picked two wickets each. Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel keeping up with their form, also took single wicket each.
Though an easy target for India, the second inning began with opener, Virat Kohli getting dismissed at one. However, Rohit Sharma’s impeccable stand on the ground with 57 off 37 calmed any nerves on a tricky surface. However, the hitman had to retire hurt from the field because of an arm injury.
Captain had contributed the major part before retiring and Rishabh Pant was the man after him to take the lead. Rishabh Pant’s significant addition 36 to the target score was enough to give India a comfortable win. India claimed the first victory of the tournament in 12.2 overs and 8 wickets in their hand.
Taking the cognizance of the field, India will be deciphering their strategies for the pivotal upcoming match against Pakistan on June 09 at the same venue. The pitch has proved to be tricky and unpredictable for the batters.
Rohit Sharma retired after getting an injury in the upper arm during the second ball of 9th over in India vs Ireland match is now suspected over his presence in the next pivotal match against Pakistan. Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in India have risen concerns over the safety of their Indian players. BCCI has even dropped an unofficial complaint to International Cricket Council (ICC) after captain, Rohit Sharma’s injury.
India posits itself in Group A along with Pakistan, USA, Ireland and Canada. The first group stage match featured India and Ireland. Before it can embark to the next stage of the tournament that’s Super 8, India will have to pass through the remaining group stage matches.
On June 9, much awaited epic clash will have India against the neighboring rival, Pakistan. Then on June 12, India will be colliding against the co-host USA. And in the final group stage match on June 15, India will lock horns against the Canada.
Tabinda Mir is a writer from Kashmir. She is an English Honours graduate and her interests primarily dwell in poetry and sports writing. She likes to cover Cricket as an avid fan. Apart from sports, her other publications include articles, poems and a letter to summer in the book titled, “Under The Summer Skies”.
Also, her leisure time activities include reading novels, poetry, non literary works, philosophies and writing poetry, short stories, articles on diverse themes.
