India have won in 36.5 overs with 8 wickets to spare. The game was competitive for about 40 overs of Irish batting, but after that India just dominated all the way. India now have 5 wins in 5 games. Ireland's net run rate has taken a hit. A win against Pakistan seems the only way they can make the quarterfinals now.
Shikhar Dhawan has been declared the Player of the Match.
Over 37
FOUR. It's all over. Kohli smashes another wide ball hard through the covers. No one moved, and they didn't have a choice. India win by 8 wickets.
One step closer to CWC 15 trophy. Congratulations to us #INDvsIRE
— Hetal (@Hetal8485Patel) March 10, 2015
Way outside off, yorker length, Kohli tries to split the field, but fails. Another yorker length ball way outside off, and this time Kohli gets an underedge which doesn't trickle onto the stumps.
Rahane drives through covers for another single. Four more needed.
Kohli bashes a full ball down the ground and nearly takes out the umpire.
Over 36
FOUR. Ireland are going through the motions. Short of a length and square cut for four by Kohli. Single off the last ball. India just need 6. 254/2.
Misfield allows another single. Ireland have been ordinary with the ball, but the pitch is flat, India's batting is good and the boundaries are short.
FOUR. Brilliant cut shot, a late cut to a ball outside off, beats the short third man.
Over 35
FOUR. Ability or luck, India get the runs. Rahane goes for an off drive, gets a thick edge which flies quickly down to third man for four. India 242/2 after 35 overs.
Just two off the over so far. Aren't we in a powerplay?
Rahane goes for a booming drive, inside edges it and runs a quick single.
Huge appeal for LBW, and the umpire declines it. The ball has hit Rahane on the front pad, but way up. Ireland ask for a review. The ball is just going over the stumps. Not out.
The feeling of "24 from 96 balls to win against Ireland" is like you're acing some board exam without studying #INDvsIRE
— Pooja Pilankar (@Pooja_Pilankar) March 10, 2015
Over 34
Driven down the ground, and the man coming in from long puts in a dive to cut it off. Concedes just one. Good effort. India 236/2 after 34 overs.
Short ball just outside off, and Kohli plays it straight to cover but gets one.
FOUR. The massacre begins - with finesse. Cut away easily behind point for four.
Single straight down the ground, very respectful.
Alex Cusack will be the victim.
India have called for the batting powerplay. Time to finish this off.
India need 32 off 17 overs. Can we make it 17balls?? The game ll be more thrilling #INDvsIRE
— masked man (@vavettan) March 10, 2015
Over 33
India are 228/2 after 33 overs.
FOUR. Similar delivery, similar shot, just even better timing and placement.
FOUR. Too wide and full outside off, Rahane leans into the ball, beats cover as well as the two men patrolling the off side fence. Beautiful placement.
Wide outside off stump from Mooney, Rahane goes after it but can't get bat on it. Wide.
India were 218/2 at the end of the previous over.
Over 31
Last ball is a dot. India 210/2 after 31 overs.
Whenever Shikhar Dhawan scores 95+ (done it 9 times before this match), India has won! #INDvsIRE #BingPredicts #DimagSay #CWC15
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 10, 2015
FOUR. What a drive. Very full, just outside off, and Rahane drives down the ground with utter ease.
Another short and wide ball, driven to sweeper cover for one.
Slashed away, placed well into the gap, but the fielder from third man comes running in hard and dives to restrict Kohli to two.
Kevin O Brien is the bowler. Kohli is just playing percentage cricket for the most part.
Over 30
He plays several dot balls and India are now 203/2 after 30 overs.
Shikhar Dhawan climbed from 19th position to 2nd position of highest run scorers #INDvsIRE #WorldCup2015
— Prateek Jain (@PrateekJain_PJ) March 10, 2015
India have crossed 200. Rahane is still getting his eye in.
FOUR, that's almost arrogant. It's a length ball outside off, and he takes a step forward and whips it down the ground, between non-striker and mid-on.
Over 28
Ajinkya Rahane is the new batsman. End of the over, India 191/2.
OUT! Dhawan tries to go down the ground, gets it high on the bat and long off running in takes a splendid catch. 100 of 85 balls. India 190/2.
SIX! Kohli just stands and biffs it down the ground for six with nonchalance.
Over 27
Flicked away into the on side and that's another World Cup century for Shikhar Dhawan. Just took 84 balls. India 183/1 after 27 overs.
Congratulations Dhawan 2nd time World cup century well done #INDvsIRE
— Vivek Srivastava (@vivek_rock84) March 10, 2015
Shikhar Dhawan is such a chill guy. Always love athletes who don't take themselves too seriously. #INDvsIRE
— Sajad (@vsopbro) March 10, 2015
11 4s & 5 6s.....their is hardly any change in his post century celebration....almost similar to every 1 did in past... #Gabbar #IndVsIre
— NumeroUno Ashwin (@ashwinASSERTS__) March 10, 2015
Tries to tap the ball down and run, but it's just straight back down the pitch.
Dhawan gets two to move to 99.
Over 26
Twice Dhawan fails to get through the infield. He's looking eager to cross the three figures. India 178/1 after 26 overs.
Unfortunately Virat Kohli doesn't have enough runs on board to score hundred man #INDvsIRE
— (@KingViratian) March 10, 2015
Now he finally gets a single to get off the mark. ten balls.
Down the track, and Kohli has a swing at it. Does not connect.
Dhawan gets a single to keep Kohli busy with the task of live net practice.
Over 25
Kohli just seems interested in net practice in the middle of a live match. He's still on 0, and looks calm, composed. After 25 overs, India are 175/1.
He sprints the first after driving the ball into the deep, but can't get two.
Dhawan is on 96.
Over 24
Three drives and all three find the fielder. Last ball is left alone and India are 174/1 after 24 overs.
Virat Kohli is the new batsman, as India absolutely refuse to tinker with their batting order.
OUT! Bowled 'im. Rohit makes a half-hearted attempt at a cut and plays on to his stumps. Ireland are ecstatic, for some reason. India 174/1. Rohit made 64 off 66 balls.
Great cover drive from Rohit. But there's a fielder on the fence who makes sure its not four.
Now the highest opening stand in #CWC15 surpassing the 172 by Moeen Ali & Ian Bell v Scotland at Ch'church #BingPredicts #DimagSay #INDvsIRE
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 10, 2015
Over 23
FOUR. Picked up on the half-volley, big with immense power into the on side. Mid wicket flies to his right to no avail, and it bisects two fielders on the ropes. India 172/0.
FOUR. And with that boundary from Rohit, it is India's highest opening stand in World Cups - 167.
Over 22
Gives room, smashes it into the off side but finds a fielder on the fence. India 163/0 after 22 overs.
SIX! Down the track, and one handed! Shikhar has a big swing of the arms and the ball reaches the second tier over long on.
Pakistani and West Indies fans watching #INDvsIRE right now!! #CWC15 pic.twitter.com/Mo9iSodPbr
— HITMAN Cricket (@HitmanCricket) March 10, 2015
Rohit plays the ball to short fine leg, and Shikhar sets off. He's halfway down before Rohit sees him and sends him back.
Over 21
Rohit has played out two dot balls, but he gets a single off the last to keep strike. Can Rohit get a century today? India 152/0 after 21 overs.
Now played into the on side for one.
SIX. Halfway down the pitch and smacked over cow corner. They are checking for the six. It is six.
Kevin O Brien comes into the attack.
Over 19
What a way to reach 50. Rohit dances down the track and just plays the ball against the spin over mid-off for a six. The Indians are largely looking to rotate the strike and play big shots in between. Team India firmly in control. 134/0 after 19.
Whenever Dhawan hits a 6, Rohit is looking more agitated than Irish bowlers. #INDvsIRE
— Yogi (@IntrepidWordist) March 10, 2015
Over 17
50 for Dhawan. He nedges the ball to square leg to reach the land mark. But clearly he is not contended.
Dhawan hits the fourth ball of the over for a momentous six and hits a classy boundary in the very next ball. Indian batsman are in no mood to hang around, it seems. 121/0 after 17 overs.
Can't decide whether their fielding is worse or our opening batsmen are performing beyond expectations #INDvsIRE
— Hetal (@Hetal8485Patel) March 10, 2015
Over 16
Plan B has not worked for Ireland. Spinners have not been able to extract any help from the pitch. Hence Alax Cusack is back. 4 runs of the over courtesy 4 singles. Dhawan is on 49.
Over 14
Dhawan after getting reprieve seems to have gone to a different gear. He is taking the bowlers to cleaners.
Four of the second ball, as Dhawan sweeps Dockrell to the backward square boundary.
Boundary of the fifth ball too. Dhawan slashes the ball left to the deep point fielder. IND- 99/0 after 14
Over 13
Rohit Sharma has crossed 4,000 runs in ODI cricket. He is the 14th Indian batsman to do so. Can he capitalise on a good start today?
Rohit and Dhawan comfortably milking Stirling's innocuous bowling.
Four, of the last ball. Dhawan cuts Stirling to backward point boundary. India- 86/0 after 13 overs.
Over 12
Dockrell continuing. Rohit seems to be playing him with absolute ease. Couple of runs taken of the first ball. Rohit rotates strike in the fifth ball.
Courtesy a mis-field Dhawan too gets run in the last ball of the over. India- 78/0
Over 10
Single off the last ball off the tenth over. India 73/0.
Single off the third ball. Sensible thinking from Rohit.
SIX! Short, sits up, and Rohit pulls for six.
FOUR. He tosses it up outside off and Rohit immediately drives him ferociously through the covers.
George Dockrell comes on.
Over 9
Dot ball. India 62/0 after 9 overs.
Ffirst 50-run opening stand for India in this World Cup.. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan... #INDvsIRE
— Manali Kulkarni (@BeingManaliK) March 10, 2015
FOUR WIDES. Ireland are bruised and bleeding. Short ball and Dhawan was lining up. But it was also too wide, and beat the keeper too.
Swing and a miss as Dhawan tries to take the cover off a medium pace delivery. That ball might have been found in the Phillippines if he had connected.
FOUR. Poor delivery again, too short, and smacked over midwicket for four.
SIX! Pulled over square leg imperiously for six. Second six for Dhawan.
Ireland probably think they can get India out on the drive. There are 7 fielders on the off side. But useful only if they hold on to catches.
Over 8
India 44/0 after 8 overs.
Drives through the covers but can't beat the field.
FOUR. Dhawan is starting to really open up. Biffed down the ground this time, not timed perfectly but still gets four.
FOUR. Down the track, and caressed through point for four.
Over 7
SIX. Lofted over mid off for six, as easy as you like.
FOUR. Beautiful cover drive again from Rohit Sharma, just leans on to it and beats the off side field.
DROPPED! Oh dear. Ball gets slightly high on Dhawan as he drives, but the cover point fielder spills it during the dive. Second chance dropped.
Irish fielders have taken some serious coaching from Umar Akmal. #INDvsIRE
— RJ Dipp (@TheRadioJoker) March 10, 2015
Down the track, Dhawan drives to cover but the fielder is there to stop even a single.
Mooney is now bowling with the keeper up. Rohit flicks him into the on side for one.
Over 5
FOUR. Dhawan takes it on the full and drives through cover for four. India 22/0 after 5 overs.
Almost yorker length outside off, Rohit drives but finds point.
Mooney comes around the wicket now, moving the ball away from Dhawan, who gets an inside edge to the on side for one.
Over 4
No run off the last ball. India 16/0 after 4 overs.
FOUR. Great straight drive.Good length on off, perfect bat, foot and head position.
Rohit has a go at a short and wide ball outside off, misses.
Over 3
DROPPED. Full ball on middle and off, Dhawan drives straight back. The ball comes straight back at Mooney who spills it. To be fair, he was still in his run up.
All the best, India, win this one too! #INDvsIRE
— Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) March 10, 2015
Almost a yorker outside off, Dhawan takes it on the full and tries to stroke it past mid on, fails.
Next ball is defended to the on side. And the next one as well.
FOUR. Short, sits up from Mooney and Dhawan pulls it for four.
Over 2
Rohit plays an on drive off middle stump for two, didn't get it in the meat of the bat. India 8/0
Defended to the off side. India are looking shaky in the running here, just like Ireland. Maybe it's the small ground.
Atrocious running. Dhawan tried a shot off his hips, got an edge to the on side, and was halfway down the wicket before running back in.
Over 1
Oh. Rohit gets an inside edge on to his boot. India 5/0 after 1 over.
FOUR. Beautiful cover drive. Slightly shorter and wider, and Rohit rocks back on the backfoot, perfect balance.
Rohit & Shikhar seem eager to take runs. Don't get run out in the process! #INDvsIRE
— simplypurple (@4simplypurple) March 10, 2015
Ball comes into Sharma off a fullish length. He defends. John Mooney is the new ball bowler.
Almost a run out off the second ball as Sharma attempts a quick run.
Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan come out to bat.
Ireland are all out for 259. At 206/3 in 39 overs, 290 seemed to be on the cards, but a flurry of wickets saw Ireland fall way short. This score may not even be par on this small and flat ground. Ireland will hope to at least not lose easily. Or is there a twist in the tale yet?
Over 49
OUT! Caught at third man! Alex Cusack is out and Ireland have been bowled out for 259. India have now taken 50 wickets in 5 matches at the World Cup. It is also the first time they have bowled out the opposition in two consecutive games.
Full ball, slapped down the ground but finds mid off. No run.
Shami is into his 9th over. He won't finish his spell.
#INDvsIRE common ireland score a little more and get out on last ball so that u dont have a bad run rate :P #CWC15
— भारतीय ॐ #BleedBlue (@BharataWasii) March 10, 2015
FOUR. Edged, goes quickly in the air and down the third man area for four.
John Mooney tries a cute upper cut over the keeper but misses.
Over 48
Last ball is steered to third man. It's 253/9 after 48 overs.
Wide off the second last delivery as Mohit Sharma bowls a very high bouncer
Good stop by Raina in the covers, no run.
Short ball, hit into the covers for one.
Mohit Sharma comes back. The first ball is a slower delivery pushed to the on side for one.
Over 46
FOUR. Mooney gets a boundary off the last ball. Ireland 243/9 after 46 overs.
Ireland you played Paisa Wasool match.. Brilliant score.. But fall of wickets post 3rd wckt was mayhem!Good innings never the less #INDvsIRE
— Tash ♥ Eeps (@BadassNemesis) March 10, 2015
OUT! Huge edge from Dockrell, and Yadav gets his first wicket. Ireland have collapsed from 206/3. 238/9.
Atrocious running. Coming back for the second, Yes, No, Yes....and then the batsman struggles to get back. Indeed, he only got back because the throw to Dhoni was poor.
Umesh Yadav is back and he starts with a wide.
Over 45
Ireland 234/8 after 45 overs.
Searing short ball from Shami, batsman tries to fend, then ducks away in the most ungainly manner.
Single off Shami's first ball of a new spell.
Over 43
Swinging away, slow, and the batsman misses. Ireland 227/8 after 43 overs.
With so much happening with Kohli's bat and mouth, almost forgot how awesome he's on the field. Exceptional run out there. #INDvsIRE
— Vikram Mehta (@MehtaMorphosis) March 10, 2015
OUT! Stuart Thompson is run out at the non-striker's end from a direct hit.
Wide ball from Shami. Ireland have now lost 4/20.
John Mooney is the new batsman. We are well into the Irish tail.
OUT! Niall O Brien is gone and now Ireland are in big trouble. He shuffled outside off, tried to flick it behind square but picked out the man at fine square. 75 off 75 balls but it's the wrong time to go.
Over 42
Four off the over, Ireland 226/6 after 42 overs.
This, already is the highest score made against India in this world cup and there are still 8 overs to go! #INDvsIRE
— Ankit Gour (@BeingAnkit_) March 10, 2015
Beaten on the turn but Thompson manages a single.
Short and wide but O' Brien can only get it down to sweeper cover for one.
The new batsman gets a quick single to get off strike.
OUT! Another wicket falls. Jadeja strikes. Ireland are losing too many wickets. Another one out to the attempted sweep shot. Ireland 222/6.
Over 41
Last delivery is slower and Ireland can't make it count. 222/5 after 41 overs.
Educated outside edge to 3rd man, a single is the result. Then another.
If this doesn't prove that Ireland deserves to be a full ICC member then I don't know what will #INDvsIRE
— By The Power Of र (@NFNiTM) March 10, 2015
SIX! What a shot by Brien. He just lifts the fast bowler down the ground for six as if he's a spinner.
Niall O Brien gets a single with a pull to mid on.
Nobody realised that Umesh Yadav had bowled just 2 overs. He comes back now.
Over 40
Six off the over, Ireland 212/5 after 40 overs.
Beauty! First Shami takes a great running catch and now a beautiful delivery from the same man, let's do this bwoys! #INDvsIRE
— Urbashi Das (@UrbashiD) March 10, 2015
Played into the covers, there was almost a mix up as the communication between batsmen was not great. But Niall O' Brien managed to get back.
FOUR. Gary Wilson gets off the mark with a great drive through covers for four.
OUT! Kevin O' Brien won't be getting any quick scores tonight. Fast ball, just in the channel outside off, Kevin gets a huge nick to Dhoni. Ireland 208/5
Mohammad Shami is the new bowler.
Over 39
Ireland 206/4 after 39 overs.
OUT! Balbernie is early into the sweep shot and is caught by the square leg fielder running back, as the ball lopped high up.
OH. THAT WAS PLUMB. Looks for the sweep, aborts the shot and India go up in appeal as the ball crashes into the bottom of his foot. The umpire won't listen and India also don't have a review.
FOUR. This is a last-over licking for a good Ashwin. Outside off, against the turn and O' Brien sweeps it for four.
Great stop by Rahane! Down the ground goes Balbernie, beats mid off who goes rushing back and stops it with a great dive.
FOUR. Ashwin is in his last over. He bowls a top spinner on middle and Balbernie goes over cow corner for four.
Over 38
End of the over, Ireland 194/3 after 38 overs.
FOUR. Top edged four, Jadeja is being slaughtered either by design or accident.
The Irish are turning it on, toughest challenges India has faced so far #INDvsIRE
— abhishek ravva (@abhishekravva) March 10, 2015
SIX. Niall O Brien swings into the leg side, the man back jumps and gets a hand onto it but drops and sails for six.
Over 37
SIX. Down the track now and that is superbly done. Clears his front leg and swings meatily through the line to launch it over wide long-on. Ireland 181/3 after 37 overs.
Ashwin to Balbirnie, no run, big appeal for a catch at leg gully, not given, and India have reviewed. It was too short for the reverse sweep, it turned sharply, and it popped off something to the leg gully fielder. It was the shoulder. Review wasted.
Over 35
After 35 overs Ireland are 171/3.
Now Balbernie drives through covers for one.
Ireland go for a quick single, the throw comes in and hits the stumps at the bowler's end. India appeal but Niall O' Brien is fine.
Raina continues and he is in his last over.
Over 34
Single off the last ball, and Dhawan fell while running towards the ball! 168/3.
Wide ball, one more ball then. Ireland are closing in on 5 Runs Per Over again.
Last ball coming up. 10 off the over so far.
I think today's highlight in 1st inngs will be Mahi's voice..!! #INDvsIRE #ManBehindTheStumps @msdhoni
— Nikhitha♥Mahi♥ (@MSNikhi7) March 10, 2015
FOUR. Touch short, pulled away for four.
Nudged to deep cover for one.
FOUR. Slower ball outside off from Mohit, and driven for four. Poor fielding by Rohit Sharma.
Over 33
FOUR. Another sweep, wrong line, four more. Dhoni is angry with the bowler. Ireland 156/3 after 33 overs.
FOUR. Swept fine for four, the fielder coming in had no chance.
Over 32
Last two balls are defended so Ireland are 146/3 after 32 overs.
Balbernie plays in the air, but gets it through the vacant point for one.
Andy Balbernie is the new batsman for Ireland and he gets some 'rib music' to begin with from Sharma.
Strategy #Dhoni. Spin, spin, spin, spin, spin, pressure to score runs, fast, wicket! #INDvsIRE
— Hetal Lakhani (@GujjuCactus) March 10, 2015
OUT! Porterfield was on the drive, the ball was slow and ended up being short. Looped up in the air instead of going along the ground and mid on caught it.
Immediately Niall O Brien goes after him, gets a thick outside which flies to third man for one.
Mohit Sharma is back into the attack.
Over 30
Three singles off the last three balls. Ireland 143/2 after 30 overs.
FOUR. Down the track again and this time he lofts it over extra cover for four.
Don't blink your eye When Raina bowls otherwise he will finish his over he is running through his overs so quickly.. #INDvsIRE
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) March 10, 2015
FOUR. Down the track and Niall O Brien comes down the pitch, chips it over the infield for four. Almost six.
Over 29
Ireland 130/2 after 29 overs.
Has anyone noticed how few deliveries ago, Raina started sprinting left just by looking at the batsman's footwork. Sharp Mind! #indvsIre
— Minhazul Islam (@Minboy31) March 10, 2015
Beaten in the flight as he tried to go for the sweep, India appeal but to no avail.
FOUR. Welcome boundary. Porterfield down the track and lofts Raina over extra cover for four.
Over 28
Short, pulled away with Gumption but Ireland gets just one. 126/2.
Down the ground comes Porterfield, but can't beat the bowler in the stroke.
.@sanjaymanjrekar sir you're a sea of cliches when it comes to commentary. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones #INDvsIRE
— Rahul Nanda (@rahulnanda86) March 10, 2015
Rohit Sharma is into the bowling attack. His first over went for five.
Over 27
After 27 overs Ireland are 122/2.
Porterfield tries a cute sweep from outside off, gets an edge and gets one. Dhoni went up in appeal for no reason.
Ireland are looking slightly more aggressive now. Porterfield drives Raina down the ground, but just gets one.
Over 25
Niall is beaten off the last ball outside off stump. Ireland 113/2 at the halfway mark.
In WC2011 at Bangalore Ireland 122/2 at one stage dismissed for 207 in 47.5 overs Yuvraj Singh 10-0-31-5 Repeat? #BingPredicts #DimagSay
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 10, 2015
Intelligent sweep shot, though it was premeditated. Ball ended up on a good length. Ireland get one.
Tucked away to deep midwicket for one.
Flatter, fuller and quicker. Driven to sweeper cover for one.
Will Kohli bowl? No, Ashwin in his 8th over.
Over 24
Well driven to sweeper cover for one, and it's a half-century for Irish captain William Porterfield. 110/2 after 24.
Defence is the way to go for Ireland as Raina continues. Off the fourth ball a single is made. Porterfield has been in the 40s for a long time. 49 now.
Over 23
2 runs from the over. Ireland 105/2 after 23 overs. Meanwhile Sanjay Manjrekar praises the Indian fielding.
#INDvsIRE #cwc15 this is where experience http://t.co/BE8VqNHqhS clueless against off-spin & they don't bring in right-hander to combat that
— rajesh (@rajeshworld) March 10, 2015
Oh dear. Ireland go for a quick single as Porterfield dabs to the off side. Ireland would have been struggling if not for that poor throw by Kohli. Even a dive by the slip fielder can't stop it, and Ireland get two.
Over 22
Six off the over, Ireland 103/2 after 22 overs.
FOUR. Edged! Down the track and tries to loft the ball whose length was shortened on the fly. Gets a thick edge down to third man for four.
Raina continues, as Ireland continue to find their feet against spin.
Over 21
Just one from the over. Ireland 97/2 after 21.
Next two balls are defended. Ireland are leaving their stumps open and not getting fully forward.
Irish weak point seems to be spin, all at sea against it #IndvsIre
— Ratnakar Sadasyula (@ScorpiusMaximus) March 10, 2015
Sharp turn, slight bounce away from the left hander and Porterfield checks his shot.
Over 20
Driven down to long off to one. Last ball is defended without conviction and Ireland are 96/2 after 20 overs.
Ireland are being bamboozled by spin in Hamilton. Raina continues.
Over 18
Last ball is defended and Ireland are 93/2.
Single down to deep point for one off the third ball he faces.
Niall O Brien is the new batsman.
OUT! Too close to the stumps from Raina, Ed Joyce looks to cut. It was a very bad choice of stroke and Joyce lost his middle stump.
Dhoni masterclass. If you listened to the stump mic, you'd know that wicket was orchestrated by Dhoni #IndvsIre #CWC15
— Kartik Parimal (@kartikparimal) March 10, 2015
Over 17
Last ball is punched down the ground for one, to ensure this won't be a maiden. Ireland 92/1 after 17 overs.
Another shimmy down the track and straight back to the bowler.
It's funny because it's true. #INDvsIRE pic.twitter.com/wv9y2r6Azn
— Vivek Girotra (@vivekgirotra) March 10, 2015
He defends the second and fourth ball. Steps out on the third but hits it along the ball to mid on.
Ashwin continues, and Porterfield now defends him watchfully.
Over 16
Just two off the over, Ireland 91/1.
Suresh Raina is the new bowler and there's a huge LBW appeal first ball which is turned down.
Over 15
Ireland 89/1 after 15 overs.
OUT! Paul Stirling has played one shot too many. It was quicker than he thought and he timed it too well. Scooped down the ground and is caught at long off. Ireland 89/1.
Finally, Stirling acts like an associate !! #INDvsIRE
— Akash Gupta (@akkugo) March 10, 2015
FOUR. Classical ODI sweep by Stirling for four.
Ashwin continues, with a somewhat better, more troubling line.
Over 14
Single off the last ball and Ireland are 85/0 after 14 overs.
SIX! Short again outside off, sits up and Stirling scoop-pulls it on the backfoot for six.
Irish making Indian attack look ordinary,which makes the way some of the bigger teams have batted against India look very strange #INDvsIRE
— Riad Heble (@riad2076) March 10, 2015
FOUR. Short by Jadeja, square cut for four by Porterfield.
Over 13
3 off the over, Ireland 73/0 after 13.
Arm ball, comes back in, Porterfield drives but finds cover. Got it high on the bat.
8 degrees in Islamabad this morning, but Stirling and Porterfield have compelled me to get out of bed. Keep going now. #INDvsIRE #CWC15
— Muneeb Ansari (@ansarim) March 10, 2015
Ireland are not playing Ashwin well. Ball is flighted up, on middle. Porterfield tries the on drive and gets an edge past first slip.
Over 11
There is some bounce for Ashwin in this wicket. The off-spinner-leg-spinner combination is good. Ireland 64/0 after 11 overs.
Stirling comes down the track, ball stops on him, he gets a leading edge to the on side. They run a single and then attempt the second. They abort it as Mohit Sharma's throw comes in. He doesn't hit the stumps, else Stirling was gone.
R Ashwin will now have a bowl.
This is the highest score by any team against India in the first ten overs in this World Cup.
Over 10
Three off the over, Ireland 60/0.
Sizes of cricket stadiums in New Zealand : Small, Smaller and Smallest. #INDvsIRE #CWC15
— Aditya (@forwardshortleg) March 10, 2015
Turned away to the on side for one. Will Ireland go after Jadeja?
Porterfield goes for the reverse sweep, hits him in the waist, Dhoni makes a huge appeal but it was traveling over the stumps easily.
Ravindra Jadeja comes on to bowl.
Over 9
After 9 overs Ireland are 57/0.
Slower delivery, outside off, swings, almost goes along the ground to Dhoni.
FOUR. What a shot. Scooped over mid off for four. Tendulkar-esque.
Mohit Sharma continues.
Over 8
Edged to third man for one, Ireland 53/0 after 8 overs.
Small grounds. Belter of a pitch. Result? Bat vs bat. RIP bowlers! #cwc15 #IndvsIre
— Anand (@aThakkali) March 10, 2015
FOUR. Short, climbs into Stirling who plays it really well over the infield for four at deep cover. The deep is slow but the boundaries are short.
South Africa may be failing, but another team with green shirts playing like the Proteas..#INDvsIRE
— arghya roychowdhury (@arghya_rc) March 10, 2015
Tucked into the legs and Ireland get a single.
Mohammad Shami continues, biffed straight down by Porterfield but Shami stops it.
Over 7
Outside off, carved over point, Jadeja stops it well. 3 runs. 47/0 after 7 overs.
Bowlers are doing it for Rohit Sharma. #INDvsIRE
— Desi Peepal (@AndroidWaleBaba) March 10, 2015
Another slower ball, again outside leg, but this time it hits the back pad on the way to Dhoni.
Wide outside off, Porterfield goes after it without moving his feet much, and misses.
Wide. Slow delivery, but outside leg and trickles on the third bounce to Dhoni.
FOUR. Beautiful boundary through wide of mid on. Slightly short, and driven on the backfoot.
#INDvsIRE this is going to be a 350+ contest on hand for india, very challenging one! @msdhoni Bowl straight and up, only way to contain!
— Sreenivasan R (@sreenindia) March 10, 2015
Fuller length, slow, and Porterfield fails to drive on the up, gets an edge to the on side.
Mohit continues. Ball holds up, or it was slower. Porterfield checks his shot.
Over 5
FOUR. Good length ball, and Stirling drives through covers for four. That was not a bad ball. Ireland 33/0 after 5 overs.
Bowlers have to realize they r not playing on bouncy Oz wkt but in NZ where length is much closer to the batsmen . #CWC15 #INDvsIRE
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) March 10, 2015
Ball comes back in, Stirling gets an inside edge onto the boot.
Banged straight into middle stump, Porterfield gets a quick single.
Wickets lads!! otherwise we'll be chasing a huge target on this small ground!! #INDvsIRE
— United Frantic (@rohan_mufc) March 10, 2015
Ball swings in sharply after pitching, Stirling fends it away and gets a single. The direct hit hits the stumps but Stirling is almost in Auckland.
Panic? Early change by Dhoni. Mohit Sharma comes in.
Over 4
Now a quick single and Ireland are up to 27/0 in 4 overs.
@Irelandcricket Wow.. great shot...Seems Ireland has done some HomeWork #INDvsIRE
— ANKIT KUMAR AGGARWAL (@AKA_PERFECTION) March 10, 2015
SIX! Short, and Stirling pulls it for six over deep midwicket. It landed outside the boundary, just. Short, short ground.
Short, but Sterling's drive goes straight to point.
Stirling is less confident. A straight ball hits his bat high on the bat. He had the presence of mind to take his bottom hand off, though.
Shorter, climbing but outside off, and Porterfield punches it for two.
Over 3
Dabbed into the covers and Ireland run a quick single. Ireland 19/0 after 3 overs.
The next two balls are left alone and driven to mid on, respectively. There is not that much swing in this wicket.
FOUR. Fuller, but Porterfield punches it down this small stadium for four.
SIX! Short, sits up outside off and Porterfield plays a full blooded pull over midwicket for six.
Two wides in one over? Come on boys!! #IndvsIre #CWC15
— Tejaswinee RC (@Iam_Tejaswinee) March 10, 2015
Yadav on leg again, and again Porterfield can't get it away.
Over 2
After 2 overs Ireland are 8/0.
Outside off, swings away, and Stirling has a fling at it.
Half appeal, called a wide, the bowler never went up.
Tough to know what a good score is in Hamilton. But judging by last couple of games there 290-300 is a par score #INDvsIRE #IREvsIND
— Nas Sayed (@NasSayed1) March 10, 2015
Wide down the leg side. India have not been superbly disciplined, yet.
He plays his first ball towards mid on. The commentary team is criticising England.
Slightly on leg, and Porterfield tucks it for one. Paul Stirling will be on strike for the first time.
Tucked into the ribs, defended and Ireland think about a single but abort the thought.
Shami runs in, bowls a better length than Yadav. Much fuller but not too full.
Over 1
Swinging into middle and leg, gets a leg bye for one. Ireland 5/0 after 1 over.
Next ball swings in after pitching, and Porterfield lets it go.
FOUR. Slightly wide, banged in, and Porterfield goes hard at it, gets an edge over the slips for four.
Another shortish good length ball, defended carefully
RT if you woke up early only to Watch #IndVsIRE in #CWC15.
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) March 10, 2015
Second ball is into the hips but Porterfield fails to get it away.
Umesh Yadav opens the bowling. First ball is a bouncer which the batsman ducks under.
MS Dhoni spins the coin, Porterfield calls heads and it's heads. He says Ireland will bat first. Dhoni says the Indian team was looking to bowl first anyway. He also says that India are playing with the same squad.
It's time for the toss.
As always Mohandas Menon has some crucial stats:
Last 10 ODIs at Hamilton..... pacers 79 wkts (76%) @ 39 spinners 25 wkts (24%) @ 51 Should India go one spinner? #BingPredicts #DimagSay
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 9, 2015
Here is some advice from Menon. Mayanti may finally get to see her man play if someone heeds this.
My three changes vs Ireland: Stuart Binny, Bhuvneshwar & Axar Patel so others can rest before sterner tests Agree? #BingPredicts #DimagSay
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 9, 2015
And some cultural performances ahead of the game.
Awesome range of cultural performances happening in Garden Place ahead of the #INDvIRE game at Seddon Park #CWC15 pic.twitter.com/8iJiMurKL9
— Hamilton NZ (@Hamilton_NZ) March 9, 2015
It's almost time for the toss. Here is the Indian team warming up at Seddon Park. The sunshine is lovely.
India and Ireland warming up on a warm afternoon at Seddon Park #INDvIRE #CWC15 pic.twitter.com/kWm94uvksO
— Jamie Alter (@jamie_alter) March 10, 2015
Welcome to the LIVE coverage of the India v/s Ireland match. The game begins at 6:30 am IST, and will be played in Hamilton, New Zealand.
India have won all four matches so far at the 2015 World Cup, and have already found a place in the quarterfinals. Here's the whole match preview from India's angle.
Ireland on the other hand, have 3 wins from 4 games, but face India today and Pakistan last. They need to beat one of the two sides to be sure of a place in the quarterfinals, at the expense of either West Indies or Pakistan. Ireland will at least look to not lose by a heavy margin against India, so as to protect their net run rate. Read the Ireland-centric match preview here.
Ireland captain William Porterfield has already formulated a strategy to counter India in Hamilton.
A lot more is being said about India than Ireland though. Richard Hadlee is impressed with the Indian bowling, for example. So is West Indian great Michael Holding. Moreover, Matthew Hayden, who ridiculed India before the World Cup began, is now praising the side's bowling.
Some people are already looking well into the future. Sunil Gavaskar is one such person. He is already thinking of a very probable India-Bangladesh quarterfinal. Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor is another. He has nothing to lose, though.
If India have anything to worry however, it's the poor form of Ravindra Jadeja.
So we are asking you a couple of questions.
Here are some interesting facts about India and Ireland in this World Cup.
For all the latest news, updates, photos, videos, podcasts and fan opinion from the World Cup, dna has a special page.