NEW DELHI: On a spicy pitch that was 'bordering on dangerous', India hammered Ireland by eight wickets to notch up their first win of the T20 World Cup 2024 in New York on Wednesday.
Riding on a strong show by the pacers, Rohit Sharma and Co. cruised to a comfortable win, chasing down a lowly 97-run target inside 13 overs and gathered 2 points after their first Group A game.
In the team's first game at the Nassau Stadium, a sea of blue came out to support Team India and during India's menacing bowling show, fans were seen demanding Virat Kohli to have a go with the ball as well.
Slogans of 'Kohli ko bowling do' were heard during India's bowling as the India talisman fielded at the fence.
Pacers breathed fire on Wednesday as Ireland found themselves tottering at 49 for 7 at just over halfway mark after India opted to bowl.
The Irish were eventually bowled out for 96 in 16 overs.
Rohit scored a superb 52 while Rishabh Pant hit a cracking 36 not out as India hunted down the target in 12.2 overs.
India next face arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday at the same venue.
