In their opening match at the T20 World Cup 2024, India won the toss and captain Rohit Sharma opted to bowl first against Ireland on Wednesday (June 5) at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. This strategic decision paid off quickly as India’s bowlers delivered a strong performance, setting the tone for the match.

Arshdeep Singh’s early breakthrough

Arshdeep Singh showcased his exceptional skill with the new ball in a game-changing third over, delivering a masterclass in fast bowling that left Ireland reeling. He struck first by dismissing Ireland’s captain, Paul Stirling, with a perfectly executed hard-length delivery that caught Stirling off guard and led to his downfall. Building on this momentum, Arshdeep then delivered another superb ball that shattered the stumps of Andrew Balbirnie, Ireland’s key batter, sending him back to the pavilion.

This double blow in quick succession created immense pressure on Ireland’s batting lineup, giving India a commanding position early in the match. Arshdeep’s impressive start not only disrupted Ireland’s plans but also set the tone for India’s dominance on the field.

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Lorcan Tucker’s little resistance and Hardik Pandya’s brilliance

After that Tucker attempted to stabilize Ireland’s innings and played some promising shots. However, Hardik Pandya ended Tucker’s resistance with a brilliant delivery. Pandya, bowling his first over of the match, dismissed Tucker with an inswinger that shattered the stumps. Tucker was out for 10 runs off 13 balls.

The pivotal moment occurred in the 7th over when Pandya’s full-length delivery on off-stump nipped back in, beating Tucker as he leaned into a cover drive. The late movement deceived Tucker, and the ball flattened the middle stump. It was a beautifully executed delivery that showcased Pandya’s bowling prowess. Pandya eventually finished with the figures of 3/27 in his allotted four overs.

Here’s the video:

Ireland crumbles under India’s bowling onslaught

After the dismissal of Tucker, Ireland’s innings quickly fell apart as they struggled to cope with India’s disciplined and aggressive bowling. Pandya struck next, removing the dangerous Harry Tector and Curtis Campher in quick succession. George Dockrell couldn’t stay long, falling to Mohammed Siraj. The lower order offered little resistance, with only Gareth Delany showing some fight, scoring a brisk 26. Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel wrapped up the tail at a paltry score of 96 runs in 16 overs. India’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, capitalizing on every opportunity to decimate Ireland’s batting lineup. Pandya eventually finished with the figures of 3/27 in his allotted four overs.

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