As It Happened: India vs Ireland, 34th World Cup Match in Hamilton
Live cricket score and ball-by-ball commentary from the 34th World Cup match between India and Ireland at the Seddon Park, Hamilton on Tuesday.
India beat Ireland by eight wickets to record their fifth win in as many World Cup Pool B matches in Hamilton on Tuesday. Catch all the highlights of the match here: (SCORECARD | POINTS TABLE)
The defending champions bowled Ireland out for 259 in 49 overs before openers Shikhar Dhawan smashed 100 and partner Rohit Sharma 64 as India chased down the target in 36.5 overs on a batting-friendly pitch at Seddon Park.
The pair shared an Indian World Cup record opening stand of 174.
Ireland, who batted after winning the toss, owed their total to a run-a-ball 75 from Niall O'Brien, while skipper William Porterfield made 67.
Paceman Mohammad Shami finished with 3-41.
This victory ensured India, already in the last eight, finished at the top of Pool B while Ireland will likely need a win against Pakistan in their last pool match in Adelaide on March 15 to reach the quarter-finals.
Live Score - India vs Ireland
Shikhar Dhawan is adjudged the Man of the Match for his brilliant batting. India with this win ensure a top finish on the table in pool B and will play the fourth placed team from pool A in the quarterfinals. That's it for the coverage of this one. Join us back tomorrow for the game between Sri Lanka and Scotland at 0900 IST. Until then, it's goodbye!
Ireland started the match well but lost their way towards the end of the innings. They were at 206/4 at one stage and were bowled out for 259. The bowlers lacked pace and variation and the Indian openers took full advantage of it and smashed them all over the park. Stuart Thompson was the only bowler to get a couple of wickets. They now have to win in their last game against Pakistan to seal their place in the quarter-finals.
India win it and keep their cent percent record in this World Cup intact! They now have won 9 consecutive matches in the mega event, their best run in the World Cup history. Once again the Indian openers were clinical and put on 174 off just 140 balls. Shikhar Dhawan got to his second hundred in this World Cup. Rohit Sharma supported him well with a 64 off 66 balls. In the end Kohli and Rahane stayed unbeaten with a 70-run stand off just 55 balls. MS Dhoni now joins Clive Llyod with 9-consecutive wins as a captain in the World Cup.
FOUR! THAT'S IT! Full on off, driven powerfully through covers for a boundary to finish the game. INDIA WIN BY 8 WICKETS!
The batsman gets a bottom edge of the bat on that one.
On a length on off, played to point.
Full on off, driven through covers for a run.
Full on off, Kohli drives it back to the bowler powerfully, Kevin on his follow through does not hold onto it and maybe has injured his hand. Kohli comes across for a run as well.
Kevin O'Brien into the attack.
On a length on off, works it to third man for a single.