T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma hits half-century as India stroll to easy win over Ireland

Rohit Sharma scored a half-century as India beat Ireland by eight wickets in their Group A game in New York at the T20 World Cup on Wednesday.

Rohit scored 52 off 37 balls before retiring hurt, while Rishabh Pant added 36 not out off 26 balls, as India easily reached 97-2 to finish off the chase in 12.2 overs.

Victory was all but secured for India when they dismissed Ireland for just 96 as a drop-in pitch of variable bounce at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, built specially for the tournament, again proved tough to bat on.

Ireland needed to hold every chance that came their way to have any chance of a shock upset. But off the last ball of the first over of the chase, Rohit – on two – edged Mark Adair through the hands of Andrew Balbirnie at second slip.

The India captain punished Ireland with his innings, including four fours and three well-struck sixes as he shared a stand of 54 with Rishabh Pant.

Rohit, who passed 4,000 runs in T20 internationals and 1,000 in World Cups during the match, was particularly eye-catching in striking Josh Little for back-to-back sixes.

Wicketkeeper Pant, returning to international cricket after a horror car crash in December 2022, ended the match with a typically flamboyant reverse-scooped six off Barry McCarthy as India won with more than seven overs left.

An all-round display from India in New York earns them two valuable #T20WorldCup 2024 points