India won their 5th consecutive match of the 2015 World Cup, defeating Ireland by 8 wickets on Tuesday, 10th March. Chasing 260, openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma put on 174 runs for the first wicket, making it India’s highest opening partnership in World Cups.
Man of the Match Dhawan scored a 100 off just 84 balls while Rohit supported him with 64 runs. After the openers departed, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane put on an unbeaten 70-run stand to lead India to 260/2 and set up a comfortable victory.
Earlier, the Irishmen had started well with openers Paul Stirling (42) and William Porterfield (67) putting on an 89-run stand. Niall O’Brian was also clinical with 75 runs as they helped Ireland to a decent total of 259/10.
With 5 wins out of 5, India keep pole position in Pool B while Ireland stay 4th for now with a quarterfinal berth still in their sights. Their final group game against Pakistan takes major importance as West Indies are close on their heels.
