Under-19 World Cup: Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar Help India Get off to a Winning Start Against Ireland

Sarfaraz Khan and Washington Sundar blasted twin half-centuries as India notched up a comprehensive 79-run win over Ireland in their opening match to make a resounding start to their campaign at the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Mirpur. (Read More in Cricket)

Sarfaraz (74) and Washington (62) shared 110 runs in 17.2 overs to pull India from 55 for 4 and post a competitive 268 for nine in their stipulated 50 overs after Ireland won the toss and decided to field.

India then returned to dismiss Ireland for 189 in 49.1 overs, despite fifties by Lorcan Tucker (57) and William McClintock (58) in the Group D match played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.

Chasing 269 to win, Ireland had a disastrous start as both their openers Jack Tector (1) and Stephen Doheny (4) were sent back to the pavillion within four overs after being run-out by Armaan Jaffer and skipper Ishan Kishan respectively.

First down, Adam Dennison (20) too was dismissed in the 15th over when he tried to glide a Rahul Batham (3/15) delivery to the third man only to be caught by Ricky Bhui at first slip.

Two overs later, Batham picked up his second wicket when he had Gary McClintock caught at first slip by Bhui as Ireland slumped to 46 for four in 16.2 overs.

Lorcan Tucker (57) and William McClintock (58) then shared a crucial 113 run partnership for the fifth wicket to help Ireland recover to 159 for five. However, Zeeshan Ansari got rid of McClintock with wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant knocking the bails off after he tried to go for a big shot.

Harry Tector (3) was removed by Avesh Khan in the 45th over as Ireland slipped to 165 for six. Meanwhile, Richardson said the ICC was keen to make pitches during the World T20, to be hosted by India in March-April, in such a way that they will encourage attacking play.

"As far as we are concerned about preparations of pitches, we want to make sure pitches are fast. We want to encourage attacking brand of cricket with the bat or the ball. We are very confident that in the World T20 championship we will witness attacking and entertaining brand of cricket of the highest quality," he said.

According to Richardson, the women's T20 competition, to be held concurrently with the men's, has more contenders for the title than the traditional two - England and Australia.

"England and Australia were the favourites. But now there are others too like India, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan. India have beaten Australia recently. It's the most open competition for women," said Richardson.

"The viewership of women constitutes 40 per cent during ICC events," he added.

He also said that cricket has been in the forefront in using technology to assist its umpires and other match officials.

"We are the leaders in using technology for assisting umpires and other officials to get more decisions correct. DRS (Decision Review System) is part of that process. We are persuading all countries to use it, including India," said the ICC CEO.

In bilateral series, India have consistently opposed the use of DRS, saying it was not 100 per cent fool proof.

In recent times there appears to be some change of heart and opinions have been expressed by BCCI chief Shashank Manohar, who is also the ICC's chairman, that as long as the leg before decisions through ball tracking technology are taken out of DRS, the Indian Board was okay with it.