Rohit Sharma led India to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Ireland in their T20 World Cup opener in New York on Wednesday, despite retiring hurt after scoring 52. India needed just 97 runs to win following a dominant bowling performance that left Ireland reeling.

Winning the toss, India opted to bowl first, and left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh set the tone by striking twice in the third over, reducing Ireland to 9-2. All-rounder Hardik Pandya then took two wickets in consecutive balls, finishing with figures of 3-27, while Jasprit Bumrah was named player of the match for his economical 2-6.

Ireland's chances of pulling off an upset depended on taking every catch, but a crucial drop by Andrew Balbirnie off the last ball of the first over allowed India captain Rohit to punish the opposition. Rohit, who edged Mark Adair through Balbirnie's hands, capitalized with a 37-ball 52, including four fours and three sixes, sharing a 54-run partnership with Rishabh Pant.

Pant, returning to international cricket after a severe car accident in December 2022, remained unbeaten on 36 and sealed the win with a reverse-scooped six off Barry McCarthy. Although Virat Kohli was dismissed for just one, slicing Adair to deep third man, India comfortably reached their target with more than seven overs to spare.

Rohit retired hurt after being struck on the arm by Josh Little but managed to hit two sixes off the next two deliveries before leaving the field. India's joy was slightly marred by the potential challenge of batting first on a similar drop-in pitch with variable bounce when they face arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday.

Ireland struggled with the bat, only four of their players reaching double figures. Gareth Delany top-scored with 26 before being run out, as Ireland's innings folded for just 96 runs in the 16th over. India's bowling attack exploited the difficult batting conditions, setting the stage for a confident start to their T20 World Cup campaign.