This was not a contest at all. For a World Cup contest, it may cause embarrassment to the promoters of the game but this is the reality of the cricket. The difference between the big teams and those placed a rung below is huge. True, the win reflected India’s glorious run but I expected Ireland to put up a better display than what they came up with in Hamilton. The small ground may have added to the woes of Ireland. The fact is they were handicapped in the bowling department. At this level, you have to be well-equipped in all aspects of the game.
The one-sided result may surprise many but not those who have followed the Indian team closely. It is confirmation of India’s strong preparation for the World Cup. As you look back, there have been few spots of bother for Mahendra Singh Dhoni. His players have responded superbly and the result is a team that have come to understand their potential.
Ireland had a decent start with William Porterfield and Paul Stirling showing no signs of nerves against the best attack in this tournament. They were, however, let down by the middle order, where the batsmen felt the pressure of keeping the tempo set by the openers. It was the kind of wicket that any batsman would love to carry home. There was little seam movement for the bowlers and a bit of discipline would have come in handy for Ireland.
If only Kevin O’Brien had not failed we might have seen Ireland cross the 300-mark. Porterfield and Stirling had shown there were no alarms in the wicket and it was left to the middle order to take charge after the two got out. Kevin fell cheaply and they kept losing wickets that dashed Ireland’s hopes of making a fight of it. It would have helped Ireland had Niall O’Brien hung around. It is important that a set batsman stays until the end. Credit to the Indian bowlers for staying committed to their task.
India’s bowling has emerged a fantastic unit at this Cup. I would have preferred Umesh Yadav bowling more because he will be needed in the matches ahead. He is a wicket-taking bowler and needs to get into that mindset. Mohammad Shami is improving with every match and looks the key to India’s success. Ravindra Jadeja landed the ball in the right areas and I am impressed with the line and length he has commanded. Mohit Sharma is handling the pressure well and his support has proved crucial. The best performance came from R. Ashwin. He has accepted his role in the attack and obviously loves the responsibility. By tossing the ball he is able to keep the pressure on the batsmen.
Dhoni also did well to use his irregular bowlers. Suresh Raina came good while Rohit Sharma had a feel of it. You never know which bowler might play the lead role in coming matches other than the established performers. Dhoni has options now.