Ireland bowled out for just 96 after losing key toss in T20 World Cup opener
The build-up to T20 World Cup matches in New York was dominated by talk of local law enforcement enlisting the help of snipers to beef up security. Ireland’s hopes of causing a shock in their opener against tournament favourites India were instead sniped by a farcical pitch, struggling their way against a rampant bowling attack on a devilish surface to an eight-wicket defeat.
In hindsight, given the difficult batting conditions, the toss was crucial. India won it and Ireland had first crack with the bat, a poisoned chalice if ever there was one. In the first six overs, Ireland scored just 26 runs, lost two wickets and failed to scored on 29 deliveries of the 36 bowled. India's Axar Patel dives to catch Ireland's Gareth Delany during the game at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in East Meadow, New York. Photograph: Timothy A Clary/AFP via Getty Images
Ireland’s lack of adaptability can also be questioned. For all the talk coming into this tournament of the side’s ability to take stock in the middle overs, assess conditions and set aggression levels accordingly, did they go too hard? Stirling, George Dockrell and Mark Adair all departed trying to play cross-bat shots over the infield.
Two things can be true at the same time. The pitch was a farce, an embarrassment for the ICC on a significant occasion for the sport. But Ireland also failed to adapt, ensuring a defeat which, while always likely, still felt needlessly comprehensive.
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