Who Said What: World reacts to India beating Ireland by 76 runs in first T20I
Led by a superb 97 by Rohit Sharma with the bat and a four-wicket haul by Kuldeep Yadav with the ball, India defeated Ireland by 76 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match T20I series at Dublin.
After losing the toss, the visitors put on a mammoth 208 for 5 in their 20 overs thanks to an opening stand of 160 runs between Shikhar Dhawan, who made a 45-ball 74 and Sharma, who fell three runs short of his third T20I hundred.
In reply, only opener James Shannon could make any significant impact with the bat, scoring a 35-ball 60 as Kuldeep ran through the middle-order, claiming his best bowling figures in the shortest format with a tally of 4 for 21 in his four overs.
Once the shock behind Germany's opening round exit at the FIFA World Cup began to subside ever so slowly, the fraternity started to focus their attention on the demolition in Dublin.
Here are some of the reactions:
Gary Wilson, Ireland captain
They are a world class side and their top-2 played beautifully. I did not expect it to spin as it did in the second innings. We could have bowled spinners in the powerplay. We are going to have a chat to tackle their spinners.
Virat Kohli, India captain
The opening combination was excellent. Great effort by Rohit and Shikhar to put us in the good position. And good strikes from MS, Raina and Pandya in the end. Bowlers did a clinical job too. We are going to be flexible in the next few T-20 matches. It presents the opportunity for the batsmen who don't get the opportunity to bat. The guys who don't get a chance too will get an opportunity in the next match. The guys are fine with this decision.
Kuldeep Yadav, Man of the match
This is my first trip to UK and it has started well. I think the wicket was good to bat on and it was turning a little bit. We bowled variations and tried to bowl in the right areas. Me and Chahal talk a lot when we bowl.First Chahal bowled and he told me that pitch is little slow. If we use variations nicely it will be difficult for England too.
Ranveer Singh
Aakash Chopra
Harsha Bhogle
Bipul Sharma
Before the game started, however, Twitter could not understand how KL Rahul, who had such a splendid time with the bat for the Kings XI Punjab, did not get a place in the starting XI.
Aakash Chopra
Nikhil
What is your opinion about India's convincing win over Ireland? Sound off in the comments section below!