With a clinical victory over Ireland, Men in Blue start their 2024 World Cup campaign. A match which was always thought to be an easy one for India turned out to be a rather one sided affair with India giving no chance to Ireland to recover from their onslaught. The Indian bowlers pierced into the Irish batting line-up with sensational display of bowling. And the batters had an easy task of chasing a total less than 100, which was a piece of cakewalk and India did the same comfortably.

Knowing the conditions of the Nassau cricket stadium and the previous results which happened there, Indian team rightly chose to bowl after winning the toss. And the Indian bowlers wasted no time to prove the captain's decision right. Right from the moment go, they breathed fire and made life difficult for Irish batters. Arshdeep Singh drew the first blood and sent skipper Stirling back to the pavilion. He also dismissed Stirling's opening partner Balbirnie.

And then the bowlers gave no chance to resurrect for Ireland. Jasprit Bumrah was phenomenal with his economy of just 2 rpo. He bowled 3 overs and scalped 2 wickets giving away just 6 runs. Pandya made a bowling comeback by grabbing 3 wickets. All the 10 wickets were taken by pacers, as the Indian team reduced the Irish total to a meagre 96 runs. While the pitch did play a crucial part in the outcome of the game as well by offering help to pacers, it was also the discipline of Indian bowlers which did the trick for the team.

A rather easy total for Indian team was not a surprise to see being chased easily. And likely, the Indian team started well. Virat fell early on as he opened the innings, but skipper Rohit continued his form from 2023 World Cup and he led from the front by scoring a half century. His eye pleasing pull shots were a treat to watch for New York fans. And so were Rishabh Pant's reverse sweeps. A result of all this was a target of 97 runs being chased in just 12 overs, giving the first victory for India.

The team chasing the total wasn't that surprising, what was more astonishing was to see Virat open the innings. The best two batters opening the innings was a sight to watch. And equally surprising was to see Rishabh Pant at number 3. The playing eleven certainly took everyone by surprise. Openers, one down and the inclusion of Dube and Pandya together wasn't expected. And honestly, even till this time, it seems like was it really necessary or will it be fruitful going ahead for the team. Only time will tell that, but yesterday it worked for the team.

And with this win, India now eye on the high voltage clash between India and arch rivals Pakistan. India would like to replicate 2022 WC encounter, whereas Pakistan would like to do the same which they did in 2021. Looking at the pitch, it's extremely uncertain to predict the outcome of the game now. The only concern for India would be to check if Rohit is fit for the game or not, as he was retired hurt yesterday due to an injury caused by a unexpected high rising ball. But hopefully, everything will go India's way just the way it went yesterday.