29 January,2016 09:22 AM IST | | IANS
Sarfaraz (74) hopes for a better show in upcoming ties after guiding India to a 79-win over Ireland
India's Sarfaraz Khan en route his 70-ball 74 against Ireland at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday
Dhaka: Three-time champions India overcame a shaky start against Ireland to open their campaign with a 79-run victory in a Group 'D' match of the under-19 World Cup here yesterday.
India's Sarfaraz Khan en route his 70-ball 74 against Ireland at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday. Pic/AFP
India were reduced to 55 for four after being sent in to bat, before Sarfaraz Khan and Washington Sundar pulled their side out of trouble with a 110-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Sarfaraz smashed 74 off 70 balls which included seven boundaries, while left-handed Sundar hit a polished 62.
Irish seamers Rory Anders and Joshua Little picked up three wickets each, but tail-ender Zeeshan Ansari boosted India's total with a run-a-ball 36 at the end.
In reply, Ireland were bowled out for 189 as Rahul Batham took three for 15 and Avesh Khan finished with two for 24.
Brilliant in the field too
India were brilliant in the field too as they affected two crucial run-outs at the beginning of Ireland's chase.
Sarfaraz said he was not satisfied despite winning the player of the match award. "I should have scored more because I had settled in well," he said. "Hopefully, I will do better in the remaining matches. But it is good to start the tournament with a win," he said.
India captain Ishan Kishan was relieved that his side collected maximum points. "We lost early wickets but runs were done by Sarfaraz and Washington who had an excellent partnership. The fielding effort was great as we inflicted two run-outs at the start and then, the bowlers hit the right areas," the opener said.
"I am not that much happy with the batting as we lost early wickets but this was the first match and I am sure we'll learn from this match and do better in upcoming matches. India have won the event thrice, so the expectation level is pretty high. We have to play professionally and try to live up to the expectations," he Kishan.
