World Cup, India vs Ireland as it happened: India crush Ireland by 8 wickets

Dhoni: (On India bowling out opposition 5 times in a row)- It’s a good stat to have. The bowlers have stepped up and I am not only talking about the three fast bowlers, but also the spinners. After 3-4 overs I knew I could get the spinners, but I thought let the fast bowlers get a hit. It was a nice wicket and the ball was coming on. (On being too chirpy behind the stumps) – At times I try to tell them what I can read from behind. I don’t really have to walk up to them to tell. Knowing the conditions helps, but we have been here for 4 months. The intensity was lacking in the ODI series as the thay had played the Test series. This game also was a challenge as most of them are having jet lags. It feels good, it means I have played with some really talented guys. The last World Cup we played in the sub-continent and it was a good mix of experience and young guys. We would like to take it forward and that’s what the motive is.  It’s not about the milestones, it’s about winning games for the country. Both Rohit and Shikhar have been batting well. The icing on the cake would have been for them to finish things off. The wicket kept getting better, but still you need to go back and get those runs.

Porterfield: The confidence hasn’t dented. There are a lot of good things in the first innings. It was slightly disappointing. But have to give credit to India, the way they came back and batted as well. There was not much on the pitch. He bowled really well and mixed his pace well. But Niall O’Brien picked up the pace. We lost wickets at crucial times. It’s winner takes all and we have to prepare well. If you can’t get going here, you can never get going.

Dhawan: I have spent lot of time here and sorted out my game. I have got an idea of the bounce. I now think I can play well on fast and bouncy tracks. Now the boys have started enjoying. The message was to play with the intensity and hopefully, my captain is happy. I will always mark myself 10 out of 10 for this innigns (Laughs)

Dhoni has overtaken Kapil Dev (11) to become India’s most captain in World Cups with 12 wins now.

That’s it! Kohli finished it in style with a thumping four. India beat Ireland by 8 wickets.

What a perfectly professional performance. A comprehensive win for them. Their Spinners did well to restrict Ireland to 259 and then the batsmen came out and just blasted the hapless Ireland bowling. Dhawan was dropped twice early in his innings and he made them pay with a brilliant ton.

After 36 overs, India 254/2 (Kohli 39, Rahane 32)

They are looking to finish this off as early as possible. Rahane chops one to third man for a boundary and then Kohli cuts it powerfully through point for another boundary. 12 runs off the over.  India need 6 runs from 14 overs now.

After 35 overs, India 242/2 (Kohli 33, Rahane 27)

Ireland lose their review. There is a huge LBW shout turned down against Rahane. Ireland opt for a review and replays show that it was clipping the bails. Umpire’s call and hence Rahane survives.  A couple of singles and then Rahane gets a streaky boundary as he gets an outside edge to third man. 6 runs off the over. 18 needed off 15 overs now.

After 34 overs, India 236/2 (Kohli 32, Rahane 22)

The first over of the Batting Powerplay costs Ireland 9 runs. After a couple of singles. Kohli cuts one powerfully through backward point for a boundary. Another couple of singles make it 9 form the over. Just 24 needed to win now.

India have taken the Batting Powerplay!

We should replace all IIMs with Rahane because his placement is better.

— Abhishek Madan (@abhishekmadan) March 10, 2015

After 33 overs, India 228/2 (Kohli 26, Rahane 20)

Rahane is dealing in boundaries now.  He leans forward and drives it crisply through covers off Mooney for a boundary and then plays an even better cover drive off the penultimate ball of the over to make it 10 runs from the over.  India need 32 from 17 overs.

After 32 overs, India 218/2 (Kohli 26, Rahane 12)

India just milking the bowling at the moment. There’s nothin that the Irish bowlers can do. They have bowled poor lengths and got punished. Not learning from their mistakes. After three singles from first four deliveries, Thompson drops one short and wide, Rahane cuts it through point for a boundary. 8 runs off the over. India need 42 from 18 overs.

After 31 overs, India 210/2 (Kohli 24, Rahane 6)

India’s batsmen have played some gorgeous shots and now Rahane joins that party. After three runs off the first four balls, Rahane drives one crisply through mid on for a four.  7 runs off the over. India have completely bossed this chase. This might hamper Ireland’s confidence before the big match against Pakistan!

After 30 overs, India 203/2 (Kohli 21, Rahane 2)

Now Kohli has started playing some gorgeous shots. He is lookign to attack. Thompson delivers it full on off, Kohli just cracks it through mid on and it races away tot he fence. He then dabs one wide of third man for a couple and takes a single to long off off the next ball. Rahane gets a couple off the middle but straight to the fielders. 7 runs off the over. India need 57 from 20 overs!

After 29 overs, India 196/2 (Kohli 14, Rahane 2)

A tight over from Kevin O’Brien. Kohli looked to charge down the track but didn’t get the required length to hit a boundary. 5 singles off the over.

After 28 overs, India 191/2 (Kohli 11, Rahane 0)

A successful over from Thompson, one in which he got the wicket of Dhawan. He started off badly as Hohli thumped him over long on for a six. But then hit back to take Dhawan’s wicket. 8 runs and a wicket off the over.

OUT! Thompson finally dismisses Dhawan (100). S Dhawan c Porterfield b Thompson 100 (85b 11×4 5×6), India 190/2 (27.4). 

A very good inns comes to an end.  Full on middle and off from Thompson, Dhawan looks to whip it uppishly over mid-wicket but gets a top edge high in the air, Porterfield at covers runs backwards and pouches a brilliant catch. A fine innings comes to an end. 

Ajinkya Rahane is the new batsman.

After 27 overs, India 183/1 (Dhawan 100, Kohli 3)

Kohli takes a single to long on off the first ball which brings Dhawan on strike who is on 97. He punches one through point for a couple to get to 99. He tries desperately for a single off the the next two balls but doesn’t find the gap. he finally tucks one to the leg side and take a single to bring up his ton. 5 runs off the over.

CENTURY for Dhawan!

Dhawan gets to his 8th ODI ton, his 2nd of #CWC15 .He was dropped twice early on & he’s punished Ireland! 11 fours and five sixes in his innings so far.

After 26 overs, India 178/1 (Dhawan 97, Kohli 1)

Dhawan gets a leg bye of the second ball. Thompson then resorts to bowling wide to Kohli who ends up missing a couple of drive. He finally gets one off the middle and gets off the mark off the 10th ball with a single. Dhawan can’t fins the gap off the last two balls and is still on 97! One run and a leg bye off the over.

Thompson continues……

After 25 overs, India 175/1 (Dhawan 97, Kohli 0)

A tight over from Kevin O’Brien! yes you heard that right. Just one run off it and yes you heard that right too!

It's been chastening for Ireland but they have a wicket, Rohit chopping on. 1-174 in 25th http://t.co/8mHcPEzJcf pic.twitter.com/tfPO9PRGuC

— CODE Cricket (@codecricketau) March 10, 2015

After 24 overs, India 174/1 (Dhawan 96, Kohli 0)

Ireland finally had something to smile in that over as Thomson bagged a wicket and gave away just two runs. Rohit might be kicking himself to have missed out on a century on his belter of a pitch. Dhawan, however, is nearing century and is on 96!

OUT! Finally, Thompson breaks the 174-run opening stand. RG Sharma b Thompson 64 (66b 3×4 3×6). India 174/1 (23.2) (Dhawan 96) 

Rohit chops it on.  Length delivery outside off, Rohit stays in his crease and looks to steer close to his body but gets an inside edge onto the stumps. The relief on Thompson’s face is clearly palpable. A fine innings comes to an end. 

Virat Kohli strides out to the middle.

After 23 overs, India 172/0 (Rohit 62, Dhawan 96)

Dhawan is upstoppable at the moment. He paddles one to fine leg off Kevin O’Brien for a boundary and then whips it through mid-wicket for another one to move on to 96 from 74 balls. 10 runs off the over again. These two are simply unstoppable.

After 22 overs, India 162/0 (Rohit 61, Dhawan 87)

SIX! Dhawan is doing all sorts of things today. He gets a one-handed six off Dockrell. And that was HUGE! Before that, he lofts one over cover for a couple. Rohit is contempt taking singles. 10 runs off the over.

After 21 overs, India 152/0 (Rohit 60, Dhawan 78)

Dhawan brings up India’s 150 as he clobbers one over long leg off Kevin O’Brien for a six. Absolutely poor bowling from Kevin. He’s been the most expensive bowler in this World Cup and also in the death overs. Two singles off the next five balls make it 8 runs from the over.

Kevin O’Brien into the attack now.

After 20 overs, India 144/0 (Rohit 59, Dhawan 71)

India are just cruising at the moment. Rohit glances it to fine leg for a couple and then takes a single to point. Dhawan than charges down the track and hammers Dockrell over deep mid-wicket for a six. Another single makes it 10 runs off the over.

After 19 overs, India 134/0 (Rohit 56, Dhawan 64)

After Dhawan, Rohit is looking in cruise control. He brings up his fifty with a six over extra cover and then there are three singles to make it 9 runs from the over. Nothing going the way of Ireland. The missing X-Factor is costing them!

FIFTY for Rohit! India 131/0 (18.2) 

Rohit gets to his fifty in style with a six over extra cover off Stirling. Three fours and three sixes in his innigns so far. He has played some gorgeous shots.

After 18 overs, India 125/0 (Rohit 48, Dhawan 63)

Dhawan seems to be getting bored here! He tries something different, something audacious. He shuffles and looks to scoop but ends up hitting it on the helmet of the keeper. Thankfully, the keeper is alright. The next five ball yield 4 singles. There is no need for Dhawan to play these audacious strokes. He has a very good opportunity to get his second ton of the World Cup!

This just doesn't feel right. Please give Zim walkover or something.

— Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) March 10, 2015

After 17 overs, India 107/0 (Rohit 46, Dhawan 61)

Dhawan attacking after his fifty. He at first charges down the track and hammers Stirling over long on for a six and then sweeps the next one for a well placed boundary. it included three singles too.  14 runs off the over. This is good stuff from the Indian openers!

FIFTY for Dhawan!

Dhawan gets to his 50 off 54 balls. He made the most of the 2 lifelines so far!  8 fours and one six in his innings so far.

After 16 overs, India 107/0 (Rohit 44, Dhawan 49)

Things have calmed down now. Four runs off the Cusack over. The Ireland blwoers ahve been clueless so far. They are listless too. Too short and too wide.  They need to desperately get a wicket here.

Cusack back into the attack now…

India opening stand record in last 25 ODI matches
Runs 1240*
ave 51.66*
100s: 4
50s: 4#BingPredicts #DimagSay

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 10, 2015

After 15 overs, India 103/0 (Rohit 43, Dhawan 47)

Sterling does well to pull things back. He’s bowling a flatter trajectory and hurrying the batsmen up. Four singles off the over.  100 comes up for India in the 15th overs. (Dhawan 47, RG Sharma 43). Brilliant start for them!

Stirling continues…..

After 14 overs, India 99/0 (Rohit 41, Dhawan 45)

Dhawan in cruise control now, Rohit takes a single to long off off the first ball and then Dhawan gets down and sweeps it past short fine leg for a boundary. He goes for another sweep but misses it completely, the ball flies past the leg stump for four byes. Dhawan then rocks back and cuts one through point for a boundary. 13 runs off the over.

After 13 overs, India 86/0 (Rohit 40, Dhawan 37)

This is good stuff from Dhawan and Rohit. Taking singles and then pouncing onto the loose balls. They take four singles off the first five balls but then Stirling commits the cardinal sin of dropping one short, Dhawan rocks back and cuts it powerfully through backward point for a boundary to make it 8 runs from the over. India are running away with this, Ireland needs to up the ante now.

After 12 overs, India 78/0 (Rohit 38, Dhawan 31)

Dockrell hits back well after conceding 11 runs in his first over. Here he concedes just 4 runs in the over. He too kept it full. Rohit dabed one past short third man for a couple and then took a single through the same region. Dhawan then turns one to square leg for a single.

Least inns 4000 ODI runs for Ind
93 Kohli
105 Ganguly
109 Sidhu
110 Gambhir
112 SRT
114 Dhoni
117 Dravid
126 Sharma#BingPredicts #DimagSay

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 10, 2015

After 11 overs, India 74/0 (Rohit 35, Dhawan 30)

A good start from Stirling. That’s what the rest of the Ireland needed to bowl. Full and straight. Stirling was full and bowled stump to stump. Dhawana nd Rohit found it difficult to find the gaps and they could manage just one run in that over.

Paul Stirling into the attack. So two spinners bowling in tandem.

After 10 overs, India 73/0 (Rohit 34, Dhawan 30)

Dockrell too starts off poory. This is fast slipping away from Ireland. Rohit at first drives it through covers for a couple and brings up 4000 runs in ODIs with a thumping six off a short delivery. Three more singles make it 11 from the over. This is a strong start for India. Ireland bowlers haven’t hit right lengths and have got clobbered. They dropped a couple of catches too. They are much better than this. Will the real Ireland please stand up?

Porterfield has made another bowling change. He’s brought on George Dockrell……Good move? Considering the fact that the Indian spinners absolutely choked the Ireland batsmen.

After 9 overs, India 62/0 (Rohit 24, Dhawan 29)

Thomson starts off poorly and gets punished for being too short. Dhawan at first hooks him over deep square leg for flat six and then pulls the next ball over mid-wicket for a boundary. He then goes for a slash but misses and mistimes the next pull to short mid-wicket. Thompson then concedes four wides.18 runs off the over.

Stuart Thompson into the attack now.

After 8 overs, India 44/0 (Rohit 23, Dhawan 19)

After Rohit, Dhawan gets into the act and takes an aggressive approach. He charges down the track first ball off Cusacka nd cuts it through point and then again uses his feet and drives it through mid off for consecutive fours. Cusack hits back to bowl four dot balls and make sure India are restriced to just 8 runs in that over.

After 7 overs, India 36/0 (Dhawan 11, Rohit 23)

Dropped! Dhawan gets another life. Porterfield drops a tough one at point off Mooney. Dhawan slashes it to point where Porterfield dives to his left bt doesn’t manage to hold on. Rohit then gets into th act and plays a couple of glorious strokes. He drives one through covers for a boundary and then lofts it over mid off for a six. 13 runs off the over. Dhawan is looking a bit scratchy while Rohit is looking confident.

After 6 overs, India 23/0 (Dhawan 10, Rohit 12)

So, finally, an over without a boundary. The keeper stood up to the stumps to Cusack and Dhawan and Rohit tried to force things but ended up mistiming a couple of drives straight to the fielders. Cuack was good with his lines and lengths. Just one run off the over.

After 5 overs, India 22/0 (Dhawan 10, Rohit 11)

At the moment, there is one boundary every over in the last three overs. Dhawan takes a single to square leg and after a couple of dot balls, Rohit shows first signs of aggression as he charges down the track but only manages to dab it to third man for a single. Dhawan then ends the over with a lovely cover drive to make it 6 runs from the over.

Mooney continues.

On the Mooney and off it#INDvsIRE

— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) March 10, 2015

After 4 overs, India 16/0 (Dhawan 5, Rohit 10)

Rohit is looking in good touch and playing some delightful shots. After a couple of dots, he gets impatient and looks to chase a wide one but misses. He then drives one through mid on for a lovely four. Just that boundary in that over. he Indian openers have looked completely at ease.

After 3 overs, India 12/0 (Dhawan 5, Rohit 6)

Mooney strays in length off the first ball, he bowls it short and Dhawan is quick on his pull over mid-wicket for a boundary. Mooney gets his lines right and bowls four dot balls. He then decides to come from round the wicket and delivers it full, Dhawan smacks it straight back, Mooney can’t hold on to a tough catch. 4 runs off the over and the missed chance!

After 2 overs, India 8/0 (Rohit 6, Dhawan 1)

A good start from Cusack. Dhawan got off the mark with a flick through square leg. Cusack bowled in good lengths. He then drifted a rare one onto Rohit’s pads and got clipped through mid-wicket for a couple. 3 runs off the over. Not much movement for Cusack too.

Alex Cusack will take the second new ball.

After 1 over, India 5/0 (Dhawan 0, Rohit 4)

A good start for India. After three dot balls, India gets their first run on the board as Mooney bowls a leg side wide.  Rohit then gets off the mark with a boundary as he cuts one through point for a boundary. Mooney didn’t get much movement in that over. 5 runs off the over.

Right then! The Indian openers – Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan – have made their way out to the middle. John Mooney will start off proceedings for Ireland.

That’s it! Ireland all out for 259. This is the first time that any team has bowled out a opposition five times in a row. 

Cussack jams one through point for a boundary off the second ball off Shami. A couple of singles more and then Cusack upper cuts it straight into the hands of the third man. A good bowling effort from India as they manage to restrict Ireland well inside 300. The spinners did the trick in the middle overs. Ireland got off to a good start but they lost their way in the middle as the spinners choked them. They never got the momentum going as they lost wickets at regular intervals. William Porterfield (67) and Niall O’Brien (75) made fifties. Shami ended with the most number of wickets – 3!

Ireland have now managed to score more that what Pakistan, South Africa and West Indies managed against India!

After 48 overs, Ireland 253/9 (Mooney 11, Cusack 6)

Good stuff from Mooney and Cusack. They have taken 5 singles off the Mohit over  and made sure Ireland surpassed 250. A morale boost for them. Six runs off the over.

After 47 overs, Ireland 247/9 (Mooney 9, Cusack 3)

Just four runs off the Shami over. Shami changed his pace well in that over. Mooney is going for big shots but isn’t connecting them well. Ireland inching closer towards 250….

After 46 overs, Ireland 243/9 (Mooney 8, Cusack 1)

Umesh Took a wicket in that over but Ireland still got the runs. After a wide, mooney pulls one to long on for a couple and then takes a single to deep square leg. umesh then gets the wicket of Dockrell. Mooney then square drives one through point for a boundary to end the over. 9 runs and a wicket off the over.

OUT! Nine wickets down for Ireland. Dockrell is caught behind off Umesh.  Ireland 238/9 (45.3) 

Short outside off, Ireland goes for a wild swing across the line but ends up getting a thin edge to the keeper. 

Alex Cusack is the last man in.

Umesh yadav back on.

After 45 overs, Ireland 234/8 (Mooney 1, Dockrell 6)

Ireland have gone on the defensive now, which is a sensible thing to do if they need to last full 50 overs. Mooney takes a single off the first ball and then Dockrell blocks the rest five balls. Just one run off the over.

After 44 overs, Ireland 233/8 (Mooney 0, Dockrell 6)

Jadeja continues. And after four dot balls, Dockrell hammers him over long on for a flat six. Just the six runs off the over though but Ireland will take it.

After 43 overs, Ireland 227/8 (Mooney 0, Dockrell 0)

Another brilliant over for India. One run and two wickets off it. Ireland have gone from 206/3 int he 39th over to 227/8 in the 43rd over. They are in danger of getting bowled out here.

OUT! Terrific fielding from Kohli. SR Thompson run out 2 (2b 0x4 0x6) . After 42.3 overs. Ireland 227/7 (Mooney 0)

Mooney punches it to cover off Shami, Thompson at the non-striker’s end sets off for a single, he is half way down but Mooney responds late and sends him back. Kohli charges in and knocks down the stumps at the bowler’s end as Thompson dives in. Replays show that Thompson was short. Ireland have toally lost the plot here. 

George Dockrell is the new batsman.

OUT! Big blow for Ireland. Niall (75) flicks it straight to the square leg off Shami.  After 42.1 overs. Ireland 226/7 (Thompson 2)

Shami gets the wicket. Full outside off, Niall shuffles way across and looks to flick but he ends up hitting aerially straight to Umesh Yadav at square leg. 

John Mooney is the new batsman.

Mohammad Shami back on.

After 42 overs, Ireland 226/6 (Niall 73, Thompson 2)

Terrific over fromJadeja. Just four singles and the wicket of Wilson in that over. The loss of wickets at regular intervals have jolted Ireland big time. Niall is the key to Ireland getting over 280 now!

STAT – Since 2011, Jadeja has an economy rate of 5.3 in the last ten overs. Brilliant!

OUT! Jadeja strikes.GC Wilson c Rahane b Jadeja 6 (7b 1×4 0x6). After 41.2 overs, Ireland 222/6 (Niall 73)

Wilson is caught at short fine leg. A very good catch from Rahane. A touch full outside off from Jadeja, Wilson gets down for a slog sweep but gets a top edge. Rahane at short fine leg, runs to his left and takes a good diving catch. 

Stuart Thompson is the new batsman.

Jadeja back into the attack now.

After 41 overs, Ireland 222/5 (Niall 73, Wilson 6)

After three singles off the first three balls, Niall launches Umesh over long on for a huge six. The batsmen take a couple of singles off the next two balls before Umesh beats Niall with a slower off cutter. 10 runs off the over.

Umesh Yadav back into the attack…

After 40 overs, Ireland 212/5 (Niall 65, Wilson 4)

A successful over from Shami. After a couple of singles, he got the big wicket of Kevin O’Brien. Wilson started off with a lovely square drive for four which made it 6 runs and a wicket off the over. India did well to restrict Ireland to 41/2 in the Batting Powerplay.

OUT! Shami gets a big wicket as he has Kevin O’Brien (1) caught behind. KJ O’Brien c Dhoni b Mohammed Shami 1 (2b 0x4 0x6). After 39.3 overs, Ireland 208/5 (Niall 64) 

A tad full outside off froM Shami, tailing away. Kevi goes for a drive but is done in by the away movement. He gets an outside edge to the keeper who makes no mistake. 

Gary Wilson is the new batsman.

Remember South Africa could only manage 177 against this India team #BackingGreen

— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) March 10, 2015

 After 39 overs, Ireland 206/4 (Niall 64, Kevin 0)

The 200 has come up for Ireland and the fifty stand too has come up. Balbirnie sweeps one powerfully through square leg for a four and then Niall hammers it over mid-wicket for another four. But Ashwin then gets his man – Balbirnie off the last ball of his spell. 12 runs off the over and a wicket off it.

OUT! Ashwin gets a wicket off the last ball of his spell! A Balbirnie c Mohammed Shami b Ashwin 24 (24b 3×4 0x6). After 39 overs, Ireland 206/4 (Niall 64)

Loopy and full on middle and off, Balbirnie goes for a slog sweep but gets a top edge to short fine leg where Shami runs to his right and takes a good catch. Ashwin finished with 10-1-38-2. A suerb spell!

Kevin O’Brien is the new batsman.

After 38 overs, Ireland 194/3 ( Niall 60, Balbirnie 17)

Ireland finally upping the ante. Niall whips one to deep mid-wicket where Shami misjudges it and allows a six. Balbirnie then goes for a slog sweep but gets a top edge over the keeper for a boundary. 13 runs off the Jadeja over. This is good acceleration from these two.

FIFTY for Niall!

Niall O’Brien gets to his fifty in style with a six. 50 off 62 balls. It’s been a crucial innings from hm so far. Six fours and one six in his innigns so far.

After 37 overs, Ireland 181/3 ( Niall 53, Balbirnie 11)

India lose their review in that over. Balbirnie gets impatient and goes for a reverse sweep but the ball hits his arm and pops to the first slip fielder. The umpire turns down the appeal. Dhoni opts for a review and replays show that it clearly hit his arm. Niall then gets to his fifty in style with a six over deep mid-wicket. 8 runs off the over. Ireland making a move on in the Batting Powerplay.

After 36 overs, Ireland 173/3 ( Niall 46, Balbirnie 10)

A very good comeback over from jadeja. Just two singles off it. Ireland need to up the ante now. They let Raina go for just four runs an over.

Ravindra Jadeja is brought back into the attack…. Raina has bowled out – 10-0-40-1, his figures read. Dhoni must be delighted with that on this surface.

After 35 overs, Ireland 171/3 ( Niall 45, Balbirnie 9)

Niall and Balbirnie holding off aggression in that over. Good lines from Raina allow the batsmen just three singles.  It’s Batting Powerplay time now. A crucial period for Ireland!

An Ireland fan in the stands has this written on a placard. "The best team in Europe" Very cheeky indeed! #CWC15 #INDvIRE

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) March 10, 2015

Raina continues…..

Sixes hit in WC2015
in New Zealand: 160 (a six every 54 balls)
in Australia: 140 (a six every 63 balls)#BingPredicts #DimagSay

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 10, 2015

Flat track, fast outfield, plenty of wickets in hand. India's spinners must bowl really well to keep Ireland to <300 #DilSay #BingPredicts

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 10, 2015

After 34 overs, Ireland 168/3 ( Niall 44, Balbirnie 7)

This is good stuff from Niall, despite the departure of Porterfield, he’s looking to be aggressive rather than getting into a shell. Balbirnie at first drives one through covers for a four and then Niall follows up with a thumping pull over mid-wicket for another four. Mohit loses his lines in that over. Three singles and a wide more off the over.  12 runs from it.

After 33 overs, Ireland 156/3 ( Niall 39, Balbirnie 1)

Niall getting a move on now. A couple of boundaries off Raina. He’s resorting to sweep and that too to good effect. He hits a couple of sweeps for fours. A couple of singles more make it 10 runs off the over.

After 32 overs, Ireland 146/3 ( Niall 30, Balbirnie 0)

A very good comeback over from Mohit. Just two runs and a wicket off it. Just when it looked that Porterfield and Niall were getting into the groove, Ireland have suffered a setback. They now have to rebuild!

OUT! Mohit Sharma is brought back into the attack and he strikes straightaway. W Porterfield c Yadav b MM Sharma 67 (93b 5×4 1×6). After 31.2 overs, Ireland 145/3 (Niall 29)

The set Porterfield departs. Length delivery on middle and leg, nips away a tad. Porterfield stays in his crease and looks to turn it to the leg side but gets a leading edge to mid off where Umesh takes a single catch. A good innings comes to an end. A wicket at a crucial juncture for India. 

Andy Balbirnie is the new batsman.

After 31 overs, Ireland 144/2 (Porterfield 67, Niall 28)

Dhoni misses a stumping, it’s a tough one but you expect those to be knocked over by Dhoni. Porterfield dances down the track and looks to heave across the line but misses. Dhoni fumbles and Porterfield gets time to get back in. Just two runs off the over and a missed stumping chance.

After 30 overs, Ireland 142/2 (Porterfield 66, Niall 27)

Ireland finaly getting a move on! Niall taking the risks, he charges down the track and flicks it over mid-wicket for a boundary and then crackes one through extra cover for consecutive fours. The next four balls yield four singles. Clever cricket. 12 runs off the Rohit over!

After 29 overs, Ireland 130/2 (Porterfield 64, Niall 17)

Finally, after ages, Porterfield gets a boundary. It’s full from Raina, Porterfield makes room and crashes it through extra cover for a boundary. Raina hits back hard and bowls five dot balls.

After 28 overs, Ireland 126/2 (Porterfield 60, Niall 17)

It’s still the same, there is no intent of any attack. Dhoni has been pretty chirypy behind the wicket and guiding his spinners well. Four singles off the over from Rohit.

After 28 overs, Ireland 126/2 (Porterfield 60, Niall 17)

It’s still the same, there is no intent of any attack. Dhoni has been pretty chirypy behind the wicket and guiding his spinners well. Four singles off the over from Rohit.

After 27 overs, Ireland 122/2 (Porterfield 58, Niall 15)

Ireland need to make sure they make the most of these part-timers. It’s still not clicking for them. Just the four singles off the Raina over.  These two have settled in now. One of them should be looking to attack the part-time spinners. Just four singles off the over.

After 26 overs, Ireland 118/2 (Porterfield 56, Niall 13)

Porterfield and Niall employing the sweep strategy to unsettle Rohit in that over. Porterfield gets a couple off the first ball and then they get three singles off the rest five balls. 5 runs off the Rohit over.

Rohit Sharma is into the attack now. Dhoni is going all out on spin attack…..

After 25 overs, Ireland 113/2 (Porterfield 52, Niall 12)

There is an obligatory outside-edge-beat in every Ashwin over and this was no different. He bowls a lovely off spinner off the last ball and Niall is beaten on his poke. Three singles off the over. Ashwin has bowled eight overs now. His figures read – 8-1-19-1. Don’t think Dhoni will give Ashwin one more over.

After 24 overs, Ireland 110/2 (Porterfield 50, Niall 11)

The batsmen rotates the strike well in that over. Five singles off the Raina over. Raina was a touch on the shorter side in that over. Porterfield gets to his fifty. He is slowed down considerably and would look to getting a move on. Five runs off the over.

FIFTY for Porterfield!

Porterfield gets to his 50 off 65 balls. He started off well but has slowed down considerably. Four fours and one six in his innings so far.

After 23 overs, Ireland 105/2 (Porterfield 47, Niall 9)

Another tight over from Ashwin. Niall goes for a quick single he completes it and the overthrow gets him a second. Rest five are dot balls. This is an impressive display from Ashwin so far. The Ireland batsmen have been chocked and as we saw in the last over, Raina nearly had Niall. If they continue putting the same pressure, one of these two might throw it away! Just two runs off the over.

After 22 overs, Ireland 103/2 (Porterfield 47, Niall 7)

Niall nearly succumbs to pressure. He gets impatient and looks to charge down the track, Raina drops it a tad short. Niall goes for a cut but gets an outside edge just wide of the short third man fielder for a streaky four. A couple of singles make it 6 runs off the over and there is a rare misfield too.

After 21 overs, Ireland 97/2 (Porterfield 46, Niall 2)

Another very good over from Ashwin. He’s flighting it really well and the two left-handers – Porterfield and Niall afr finding it difficult. Porterfield has been totally bogged down after a brisk start. He is 46 from 59 balls. One can sense that he will go for an attacking shot and that’s where India might get his wicket. Jus tone run off the over.

After 20 overs, Ireland 96/2 (Porterfield 45, Niall 2)

Raina, meanwhile, is rushing through the overs. He isn’t even giving time to the batsmen to settle down and get ready for another ball. Three singles off the over from Raina.

After 19 overs, Ireland 93/2 (Porterfield 43, Niall 1)

A superb over from Ashwin. He troubled Niall on multiple occasions in that over. he pushed it a bit quicker on middle and off, Niall missed his prod and it nearly propped up to leg slip. He then beat Niall on his forward defense with a lovely off spinner. Niall was cautious and then left alone a couple close to the off stump. A maiden from Ashwin. Terrific stuff this!

Dhoni to Raina - 'Beech me rakh, seedhe nahi khelta'

Next ball - Bowled.

— Rishabh (@rishabhism) March 10, 2015

After 18 overs, Ireland 93/2 (Porterfield 43, Niall 1)

This is good stuff from the Indian spinners and a very good bowling change from Dhoni. Ashwin is building the pressure from one end and that’s helping the other bowlers. Raina is bowling a bit quicker and that’s hurrying the batsmen. He beat Joyce with pace to scalp his wicket. A brilliant over, just one run and a wicket off it.

OUT! Raina strikes now. Ed Joyce’s middle stump is knocked back.  After 17.2 overs, Ireland 92/2 (Porterfield 43)

Raina coems from round the wicket and pushes a length delivery quicker on middle and off, Joyce rocks back and looks to cut but is beaten by the pace. He misses and finds his middle stump knocked back. 

Niall O’Brien is the new batsman.

After 17 overs, Ireland 93/1 (Porterfield 43, Joyce 1)

Ashwin is bowling with lovely rhythm and using the variations to good effect. He beats Joyce with a classy off spinner off the second ball of the over and then keeps it tight. Just one run off the over.

After 16 overs, Ireland 91/1 ( Porterfield 43, Joyce 1)

A very good start from Raina. He pushed one quicker through the air. Porterfield is pegged back and he misses his flick. The umpire turns down the LBW appeal. Replays show it was clipping leg, would have been umpire’s call. Raina is good with his lines and gives away just two runs in his first over.

Suresh Raina into the attack now.

After 15 overs, Ireland 89/1 ( Porterfield 42, Joyce 0)

A very good over from Ashwin, four runs and the wicket of Stirling off it.

OUT! Ashwin draws first blood! PStirling c Rahane b Ashwin 42 (41b 4×4 2×6). After 15 overs, Ireland 89/1 ( Porterfield 42)

Stirling is caught at long off. Lovely bowling from Ashwin. The previous ball was flatter and this one is a nicely looped up delivery. Stirling look to loft but is done in by the flight. He checks his shot in the end and ends up chipping it straight to Rahane at long off. 

Ed Joyce is the enw batsman.

After 14 overs, Ireland 85/0 (Porterfield 41, Stirling 39)

Yes! This is the exact strategy. They are taking on Jadeja who’s been pretty short. Porterfield punches one through point for a boundary and then Stirling pulls it over deep mid-wikcet for a six. Two more singles make it 12 from the over.

After 13 overs, Ireland 73/0 (Porterfield 36, Stirling 32)

Ashwin has found good rhythm. He is getting good turn and bonce. He induced a leading edge and an outside edge off Porterfield but both were along the ground. He induced an outside edge off Stirling too off a straighter one. 4 singles off the over. Ireland would look to be cautious against Ashwin and try and score as much off Jadeja!

After 12 overs, Ireland 69/0 (Porterfield 34, Stirling 30)

This is good clever cricket from Ireland. Not taking too many risks and still rotating the strike. Three singles and a two off the Jadeja over. Jadeja isn’t getting much turn or bounce and hence it’s been easy for the batsmen.

After 11 overs, Ireland 64/0 (Porterfield 33, Stirling 26)

Good lines from Ashwin and he gave the ball good air. Stirling is lucky to be out in the middle as he survive a run out. He punches one to long on and set off for a single. He then turned for a risky second and was almost half way down the track  but is sent back late by Porterfield. The fielder at long on misses hsi shy at the non-striker’s end. Ashwin at bowler’s end doesn’t gather. Stirling had given up. Four runs off the over.

Ravichandran Ashwin is into the attack now. So two spinners bowling in tandem.

After 10 overs, Ireland 60/0 (Porterfield 30, Stirling 25)

Surprisingly, Porterfield goes for a reverse sweep first ball but misses, a huge LBW appeal is turned down by the umpire. Might have been missing off. Porterfield then cuts out risks, takes a couple with good placement and then a single. Just 3 runs off the Jadeja over.

And there it is, as expected….Ravindra Jadeja is into the attack.

After 9 overs, Ireland 57/0 (Porterfield 27, Stirling 25)

Stirling has now started manufacturing shots off good balls. He defends the first ball but then lofts a good length delivery outside off over mid off for a well timed boundary. Mohit then resorts to change in pace and bowls four dot balls. Just that boundary in the over, good comeback from Mohit. I think MS Dhoni would be looking to introduce spin for some change in pace.

This is already the best start against India in this WC (1-10 ov)
46/1
38/1
28/2
38/4#BingPredicts Ireland will make 75/0#DimagSay

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 10, 2015

After 8 overs, ireland 53/0 (Porterfield 27, Stirling 21)

50 up for Ireland in the 8th over. This has been a very good start from them. Shami still bowling short and getting punished. Porterfield takes a single off the second ball. Shami then drops it short off the penultimate ball and Stirling slashes it over point for a boundary. He then takes a single to third man to make it 6 from the over.

After 7 overs, Ireland 47/0 (Porterfield 26, Stirling 16)

After a couple of nervous shots, Porterfield gets one off the middle. Mohit comes from round the wicket. Porterfield gets a leading edge to covers first ball and then plays the next one awkwardle. But he follows up with a lovely punch through extra cover for a boundary. He then goes for a booming drive but is beaten by the away movement. Mohit changed his pace in the over with a couple of slower ones but didn’t get his lines right off them. Mohit then drops one short, Porterfield mistimes his slash over backward point, some good work from jadeja saves a run. 8 runs off the over. There have been 5 fours and 2 sixes in the first seven overs!

After 6 overs, Ireland 39/0 (Porterfield 19, Stirling 16)

Stirling looks in ominous touch. Shami bowls a good length delivery just outside off, Stirling stands and punches it through covers for a thumping boundary. Shami still bowling a bit short. he conceded a wide in the over and Porterfield got a single. 6 runs off the over.

Interesting — for the first time, India’s bowling pushed out of its Plan A of Yadav/Shami bowling the first ten with Ashwin in for the 11th

— Prem Panicker (@prempanicker) March 10, 2015

Shami continues….

Ireland have started well. They have nothing to lose and nothing to fear. Hope India aren't taking this game lightly.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 10, 2015

After 5 overs, Ireland 33/0 (Porterfield 18, Stirling 12)

The Irish batsmen are batting with great confidence. Mohit started off well with disciplined lines. But the last ball, he bowls a tad short, Stirling stands tall and punches it through covers for a boundary. 6 runs off the Mohit over. Porterfield and Stirling have done well to respect good balls and punish the losse deliveries.

A bowling change as easrly as in the 5th over as Mohit Sharma is brought into the attack.

After 4 overs, Ireland 27/0 (Porterfield 17, Stirling 7)

Porterfield takes a single to covers and then Stirling gets off the mark off his 6th ball with a thumping six over deep mid-wicket for a six. He then takes a quick single off the last ball to make it 8 runs off the over. India have been a tad too short so far and Ireland have played them well so far.

India have won both the previous ODIs against Ireland while chasing. The pitch looks a belter, Ireland may need to post a huge total!

In 13 balls, Porterfield has timed it better than in his whole innings on Sat. Two textbook shots there off the back and then front foot

— Ryan Bailey (@RyanK_Bailey) March 10, 2015

After 3 overs, Ireland 19/0 (Porterfield 16, Stirling 0)

Porterfield getting into the groove now. He pulls Umesh powerfully over deep square leg for a six and then follows up with a lovely drive through mid off for four. He ends the over with a quick singles to covers. 11 runs off the over, a good one for Ireland. There is not much movement available for the pacers so far.

After 2 overs, Ireland 8/0 (Porterfield 5, Stirling 0)

Shami strats off a bit scratchily. He didn’t get much swing or movement off the surface in the first over. He drifted a couple down the leg side for wides. There is an appeal for a caught behind off the second wide but the umpire stretched his arms. Shami then beat Stirling’s outside edge on the drive off the penultimate ball. 3 runs off the over.

Mohammad Shami will bowl with the 2nd new ball….

After 1 over, Ireland 5/0 (Porterfield 4, Stirling 0)

A good start from Umesh Yadav. Though he was on a bit shorter side. Porterfield  gets off to a scratchy start as he looks to pull one but gets an outside edge over the slip cordon for a streaky boundary. 5 runs off the first over.

Right! The Ireland openers – Paul Stirling and William Porterfield – have made their way to the crease. Umesh Yadav will start off proceedings for India.

The players have made their way out for the National Anthems.

Must be a big game on today! The #IND and #IRE superfans are out in force! 10 mins to first ball! #INDvIRE pic.twitter.com/0F4G1wTRkS

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 10, 2015

PITCH – It’s a lovely sunny day in Hamilton. The track is flat with a hint of grass. The ball will move in the air in the evening. 295 is the winning score here. Sunil Gavaskar reckons it’s going to be a good game with lots of runs.

Ireland XI: Porterfield, Stirling, Joyce, N O’Brien, Balbirnie, Wilson, K O’Brien, Mooney, Thompson, Cusack, Dockrell.

India XI: Rohit, Dhawan, Kohli, Rahane, Raina, Dhoni, Jadeja, Ashwin, Shami, Mohit, Umesh.

TOSS – Ireland have won the toss and elected to bat. India have gone unchanged while one change for Ireland as Stuart Thompson comes in for Andy McBrine.

It's a beautiful day here, warm-ups are already well underway, we'll have the toss & teams coming https://t.co/NWZuB8DY2J #cwc15 #INDvIRE

— ICC (@ICC) March 10, 2015

Ireland captain Porterfield blasts Associate tag… again – Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

Dear BCCI, your autograph ban is ridiculous: It’s not the cold war, it’s cricket – Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

In all, India and Ireland have met just twice in ODIs, and on both occasions, India have had the upper hand over Ireland. They thumped Ireland by nine wickets in Belfast in 2007 and by five in Bangalore during the 2011 World Cup.

World Cup 2015: Mohammad Shami is the hero of India’s turnaround – Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

The last time India met Ireland was in Bangalore during the last edition of the World Cup, where the hosts comfortably beat their opponents by five wickets as Yuvraj Singh emerged as the star performer with a ‘five-for’ and a half-century.

If India happen to win today, they will create a new World Cup record of winning nine straight matches at the global event, starting from their win against the West Indies in Chennai during the 2011 edition.

On the cusp of creating World Cup history, a supremely confident India will aim to crush a gutsy Ireland in their penultimate group encounter of the World Cup.  Having already qualified for the quarter-finals with four commanding wins, the defending champions are eyeing their fifth straight win in the tournament.

Hello and welcome to the coverage of the 34th match of the World Cup 2015 between India and Ireland at Seddon Park Hamilton. Match starts at 6.30 AM IST. Follow this space for live scores and updates.