The Men in Blue are all set to begin their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, tonight, i.e., June 5, 2024, at 8 PM IST.
The Indian team had not experienced any taste of success in the previous few T20 World Cups, nor had they produced any memorable moments. However, with a combination of experience and fresh faces, the Men in Blue will be looking to add another ICC trophy to their cabinet this time around. With the campaign beginning against Ireland, the team will be confident of getting off to a strong start in the World Cup. Rohit Sharma will almost certainly open the innings, but it remains to be seen who will partner him. While Yashasvi Jaiswal is a traditional option, Virat Kohli, who won the Orange Cap in the most recent Indian Premier League (IPL) season, can also open the innings. Rishabh Pant will most likely bat third, followed by Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and others. In New York, the team can go with three pacers, whereas in the Caribbean, the team can advance with three spinners. The side also secured a win against Bangladesh in the warm-up match and will be ready to give their best tonight.
Ireland’s path to the World Cup was difficult, as they were forced to contend with difficult European qualifications after missing out on direct entry. Their determination paid off, and they finished in a respectable second place. Ireland’s spirit of rivalry should not be neglected, especially after recent victories over Pakistan and Afghanistan in the T20I format. The team is going with an experienced lineup, with skipper Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie opening the batting. Lorcan Tucker and Joshua Little are also prominent T20 format players in the squad, and their contributions will be critical in determining their fates in this World Cup. Ireland would undoubtedly play fearless cricket and would not give up easily against the formidable Indian team.
Head-to-Head:
Both teams have faced each other seven times in the shortest format of the game, in which the Rohit Sharma-led unit clinched all seven games.
Where to watch:
TV: Star Sports
OTT: Disney+ Hotstar