On Wednesday (June 5), India started their campaign at the 2024 T20 World Cup by beating Ireland by eight wickets in match 8 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York. Opting to bowl first, India rode on Jasprit Bumrah’s 2 for 6 and Hardik Pandya’s 3 for 27 to bundle out Paul Stirling-led Ireland for 96 in 16 overs and chased down the score in 12.2 overs with eight wickets in hand. During the run-chase, captain Rohit Sharma retired hurt, for a 37-ball 52, after copping up a blow to his right arm.
After the game, Rohit played down any injury concern. At the post-match presentation, Hitman said, “Yeah, just a little sore (the arm).” The statement comes as a huge relief for the Indian camp and their ardent fans as Men in Blue’s next clash is against Pakistan, at the same venue in New York, on Sunday (June 9).
Talking about his time spent at the pitch, Rohit said, “It was scratchy, but good to spend some time in the middle and understand what kind of shots to play there.”
Along with Rohit, Rishabh Pant — who came in at No. 3 — also made a mark and was unbeaten on 36 (off 26 balls) to steer India to an easy win, with Bumrah adjudged the Player-of-the-Match.
On how the surface played, Indian captain Rohit further opined, “Quite unsure of what to expect from the pitch. I don’t think the wicket settled down even when we batted second. There was enough for the bowlers. That’s pretty much what you gotta do. Try to hit those lengths consistently. All these guys have played a lot of Test cricket. Arshdeep is the only guy who hasn’t. His two wickets upfront set the tone for us. Don’t think we can play four spinners here (laughs).”
He added, “I don’t know what to expect from the pitch to be honest. We will prepare as if the conditions are going to be like this (for Pakistan game). This is going to be a kind of game where all XI of us will need to contribute.”
India will take on Pakistan in a marquee clash on Sunday with an aim to make it two wins in a row. They are placed in Group A along with Pakistan, Ireland, USA and Canada. The ninth edition of the T20 WC is being held in West Indies and the USA.