Photo: Gulf Times
India registered their fifth win of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 as they beat Ireland comprehensively in their first match in New Zealand. India won the match by 8 wickets, thanks to a Shikhar Dhawan’s second century of the tournament and Rohit Sharma’s half century.
Batting first Ireland posted a total of 259 in 49 overs. Indian bowlers started of poorly but made it up towards the end of the Irish innings picking up wickets quickly. William Porterfield (67) and Paul Stirling (42) provided Ireland a solid start but too many wickets in the middle brought the match in India’s favour. Mohammad Shami once again turned out to be India’s best bowlers with figures of 9-0-41-3. Ashwin bowled well early as he brought the match in India’s favour with 2 wickets. Niall O’Brien also played an excellent run-a-ball innings of 75 runs to take Ireland past the 250-run mark and gave their bowlers something to fight with.
However Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma simply dominated the proceedings once they came in to chase down the target of 260. They scored at rate more that the required one. Dhawan scored yet another century, his second of the tournament that saw him getting into the second spot in the table of the top scorers in this world cup. Rohit Sharma also played well for his 64 before chopping one on to his stumps. Shikhar got out within few deliveries after completing his century but Virat Kohli (44*) and Ajinkya Rahane (33*) remained unbeaten till the end and made sure that that India completed the formality with ease.
With this win, India made sure that they will get into the next round as the table toppers. But with such a heavy defeat Ireland’s chances of qualifying into the next round faced a huge jolt. Although they are leading the West Indian side in points but this result opens up the fourth spot more widely as West Indies will fancy their chances for qualifying into the next round with a win in their next match.
Tags: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 india
