Cricket is more than just a game for millions of fans worldwide—it’s an emotion, a rollercoaster of excitement, and sometimes, a lesson in resilience. On June 5, 2024, at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, the India National Cricket Team vs Ireland Cricket Team Match Scorecard in the 8th match of Group A in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. It was the kind of match that had fans on the edge of their seats, not just for the action but for the sheer unpredictability of a new venue and a tricky pitch. India walked away with an emphatic 8-wicket victory, but the story of the match was far more than just the result. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to follow, whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or someone just dipping their toes into the sport.
The Stage: A New Venue in New York
Picture this: a shiny new stadium in New York, far from the traditional cricket hubs like Mumbai or Dublin. The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium was hosting its first major international tournament, and the pitch was the talk of the town. It wasn’t your typical flat batting paradise. This one had bounce, seam movement, and a bit of a wild streak—perfect for bowlers but a nightmare for batters. The outfield was slow, too, meaning even well-timed shots didn’t always race to the boundary. For India, ranked number one in T20Is, and Ireland, the plucky underdogs at number 11, this was a chance to test their skills in unfamiliar conditions.
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that made sense given the overcast skies and the pitch’s reputation for helping bowlers early on. Ireland’s captain, Paul Stirling, admitted the toss was crucial, and his team would need to dig deep to post a competitive total. What unfolded was a classic T20 showdown, with India’s pace attack stealing the show and Ireland fighting hard despite the odds.
First Innings: Ireland’s Struggle Against India’s Pace
Ireland’s batting lineup walked out to face a formidable Indian bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Hardik Pandya. From the very first over, it was clear this wasn’t going to be an easy day for the Irish batters. Arshdeep Singh struck early, removing Paul Stirling (2 runs off 6 balls) and Andrew Balbirnie (5 runs off 10 balls) in quick succession. The score read a shaky 9/2 after 2.6 overs, and the Indian bowlers were just getting started.
The pitch was doing all sorts of tricks—some balls zipped through, others reared up unexpectedly, and a few stayed low. Ireland’s batters, including Lorcan Tucker (10 runs) and Harry Tector (4 runs), struggled to find rhythm. Hardik Pandya, who hadn’t had the best IPL season, found his groove here, picking up three crucial wickets. His mix of swing, seam, and extra bounce had Ireland reeling at 49/6 by the 10th over. It looked like Ireland might not even reach 80.
But cricket is a game of partnerships and fightbacks, and Ireland found a spark in Gareth Delany. Coming in at number seven, Delany played a fearless knock of 26 runs off 14 balls, including two fours and two sixes. His cameo, along with some late resistance from Joshua Little (14 runs), pushed Ireland to a total of 96 all out in 16 overs. It wasn’t a huge score, but on this pitch, it was something to defend. India’s bowlers, though, were the real stars. Hardik Pandya finished with 3/27, Jasprit Bumrah was stingy with 2/6, and Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel chipped in with two and one wicket, respectively.
India’s Chase: A Mix of Grit and Flair
Chasing 97 runs in a T20 match sounds like a walk in the park for a team like India, but this pitch had other ideas. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli opened the batting, and the early overs were anything but straightforward. Ireland’s bowlers, led by Mark Adair and Joshua Little, made the ball talk. It swung, it bounced, and it kept the Indian batters on their toes.
Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, played a captain’s knock, scoring a well-crafted 52 off 37 balls, including four fours and two sixes. But it wasn’t without drama. He took a nasty blow on his right arm from a Joshua Little delivery and had to retire hurt after reaching his half-century. The injury raised some concerns, especially with a big match against Pakistan looming on June 9. Thankfully, Rohit later said it was “just a little sore,” which was a relief for Indian fans.
Virat Kohli, usually a run-machine, had a rare off-day, getting out for just 1 run off 5 balls, caught by Mark Adair off his own bowling. That brought Rishabh Pant to the crease, and boy, did he deliver some entertainment. Pant, known for his audacious strokeplay, took a few blows on the body but kept going. His unbeaten 36 off 26 balls included a trademark reverse-scoop six to seal the match—a shot that had fans gasping and cheering. Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with 2 runs before getting out, but Pant, along with Shivam Dube (0 not out), guided India to 97/2 in just 12.2 overs, winning with 46 balls to spare.
The India National Cricket Team vs Ireland Cricket Team Match Scorecard: A Snapshot of the Match
To make sense of the numbers, here’s the full India National Cricket Team vs Ireland Cricket Team Match Scorecard T20 World Cup 2024 match:
|
Ireland Innings (96/10, 16 overs) |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
SR |
Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Paul Stirling (c) |
2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
c Pant b Arshdeep Singh |
|
Andrew Balbirnie |
5 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 50.00 |
b Arshdeep Singh |
|
Lorcan Tucker (wk) |
10 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 76.92 |
b Hardik Pandya |
|
Harry Tector |
4 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 25.00 |
c Kohli b Bumrah |
|
Curtis Campher |
12 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 150.00 |
c Pant b Hardik Pandya |
|
George Dockrell |
3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 60.00 |
c Bumrah b Siraj |
|
Gareth Delany |
26 | 14 | 2 | 2 | 185.71 |
run out (Siraj/Pant) |
|
Mark Adair |
3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 150.00 |
c Shivam Dube b Hardik Pandya |
|
Barry McCarthy |
0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
c and b Axar Patel |
|
Joshua Little |
14 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 107.69 |
c Kohli b Bumrah |
|
Benjamin White |
2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
not out |
|
Extras |
15 |
(b 4, lb 5, w 5, nb 1) |
||||
|
Total |
96 |
(10 wickets, 16 overs) |
|
India Bowling |
Overs |
Maidens |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Arshdeep Singh |
4 | 0 | 35 | 2 | 8.75 |
|
Mohammed Siraj |
3 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 4.33 |
|
Jasprit Bumrah |
3 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 2.00 |
|
Hardik Pandya |
4 | 1 | 27 | 3 | 6.75 |
|
Axar Patel |
1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3.00 |
|
Ravindra Jadeja |
1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7.00 |
|
India Innings (97/2, 12.2 overs) |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
SR |
Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rohit Sharma (c) |
52 | 37 | 4 | 2 | 140.54 |
retired hurt |
|
Virat Kohli |
1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 20.00 |
c and b Adair |
|
Rishabh Pant (wk) |
36 | 26 | 3 | 2 | 138.46 |
not out |
|
Suryakumar Yadav |
2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
c Dockrell b White |
|
Shivam Dube |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
not out |
|
Extras |
6 |
(lb 2, w 4) |
||||
|
Total |
97 |
(2 wickets, 12.2 overs) |
|
Ireland Bowling |
Overs |
Maidens |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mark Adair |
4 | 0 | 27 | 1 | 6.75 |
|
Joshua Little |
4 | 0 | 42 | 0 | 10.50 |
|
Barry McCarthy |
2.2 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 7.71 |
|
Curtis Campher |
1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4.00 |
|
Benjamin White |
1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 6.00 |
Result: India won by 8 wickets (with 46 balls remaining).
Player of the Match: Jasprit Bumrah (2/6 in 3 overs).
Venue: Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York.
Umpires: Alex Wharf, Chris Gaffaney.
Third Umpire: Richard Kettleborough.
Match Referee: David Boon.
Key Moments That Defined the Match
Every cricket match has its turning points, and this one was no different. Here are the moments that shaped India’s victory:
-
Arshdeep’s Early Breakthroughs: Arshdeep Singh set the tone by dismissing both Irish openers inside the first three overs. His ability to swing the ball on a helpful pitch put Ireland on the back foot early.
-
Hardik Pandya’s Redemption: After a tough IPL, Hardik bounced back with a match-defining spell. His three wickets, including Curtis Campher’s quickfire 12, broke Ireland’s middle order.
-
Gareth Delany’s Fightback: Delany’s 26 off 14 balls was a reminder that Ireland wasn’t going to roll over easily. His two sixes gave Ireland a glimmer of hope.
-
Rohit Sharma’s Fifty: Despite the challenging conditions, Rohit’s 52 showed why he’s one of the best in the business. His ability to adapt to the pitch was crucial, though his injury was a scare.
-
Rishabh Pant’s Finishing Touch: Pant’s reverse-scoop six to win the match was pure class. It wasn’t just about the runs; it was about the confidence he brought to the chase.
What the Captains Said
Post-match, both captains reflected on the game. Rohit Sharma admitted the pitch was unpredictable, saying, “I’m not sure what to expect from it. We tried to hit consistent lengths, and it worked for us.” He also downplayed his injury, which was a relief for fans looking ahead to the Pakistan clash. Ireland’s Paul Stirling was candid: “The toss played a big part. It was tough to bat first on that pitch, and India’s bowlers put us under pressure from the start.”
The Bigger Picture
This match was more than just a Group A fixture. For India, it was about starting their T20 World Cup campaign on a high, especially with tougher challenges like Pakistan on the horizon. The win gave them confidence, but Rohit’s injury and the tricky pitch raised questions about how they’d adapt in future games. For Ireland, it was a tough day, but their spirited performance, especially Delany’s knock, showed they could compete with the big teams on their day.
The Nassau County pitch came under scrutiny for its inconsistent bounce and slow outfield, with some calling it “undercooked” for a World Cup. Sri Lanka had been bowled out for 77 at the same venue a few days earlier, and Ireland’s 96 wasn’t much better. It’s a reminder that cricket isn’t just about skill—it’s about adapting to conditions, something India did better on the day.
Why This Match Matters
For fans, this game was a classic David vs. Goliath story. Ireland, with their never-say-die attitude, took on a cricketing giant in India. While the result went India’s way, the match showcased the beauty of T20 cricket—fast-paced, unpredictable, and full of heart. For young fans or those new to the game, it was a perfect example of how bowlers can dominate, how captains make tough calls, and how a single player (like Pant or Delany) can light up a game with one shot.
India’s emphatic win set the tone for their campaign, but it also highlighted areas to watch. Can their batters handle spicy pitches? Will Rohit’s arm hold up? For Ireland, it’s about building on small victories like Delany’s cameo and finding ways to upset stronger teams in future matches.
Wrapping It Up
The India National Cricket Team vs Ireland Cricket Team Match Scorecard on June 5, 2024, was a tale of dominance, resilience, and a few heart-stopping moments. India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah and Pandya, made the most of a bowler-friendly pitch, while Rohit and Pant ensured the chase was clinical despite some hiccups. Ireland fought hard, but the gap in experience and adaptability was clear. The scorecard tells the story of a one-sided game, but the real magic was in the moments—Pant’s reverse-scoop, Delany’s defiance, and the buzz of a World Cup match in New York.
