Daily Cricket News

Brilliant Yuvraj seals Indian victory

Bangalore: Yuvraj Singh took 5/31 and scored an unbeaten half century as India beat Ireland by 5 wickets in a World Cup Group B clash at Bangalore on Sunday.

The stylish left handed batter remained 50 not out and Yusuf Pathan who smashed three sixes and two fours was unbeaten on 30 as the Indians settled the issue in 46 overs.

Yuvraj put on 67 runs for the fifth wicket with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni as India took control of the proceedings after Virat Kohli was run out for 34.

Earlier, left arm spinner George Dockrell struck to get rid of Sachin Tendulkar after Trent Johnston sent back Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir as India went about their chase of 208 for victory.

Part-time spinner Yuvraj Singh grabbed a five-wicket haul as India restricted Ireland to 207 after winning the toss and electing to field first.

The southpaw was quite a revelation in the middle overs as he rattled the Irish batting with his slow left arm bowling.

Ireland skipper William Porterfield contributed with 75 while Niall O'Brien, who played second fiddle to his captain in the 113-run stand, scored 46.

Zaheer Khan struck two early blows as the speedster first clean bowled Paul Stirling (0) in the very first over of the innings and followed it up with the wicket of Ed Joyce (4) in his next over.

And though, the pitch offered enough assistance to the Indian tweakers, none except Yuvraj proved effective.

Porterfield showed his positive intent from the beginning as he punished the Indian bowlers if they strayed even slightly in their line and length.

Niall O'Brien, too, punished the Indian bowlers at every given opportunity.

A moment of brilliance from Kohli gave India their third wicket as the 22-year-old sent O'Brien back with a run out.

Another strike, Andrew White's wicket, by Yuvraj brought Ireland's man of the moment Kevin O'Brien at the crease.

But the big-hitting batsman was unable to replicate his last innings heroics and gave a simple catch to Yuvraj off his own bowling.

And the tall all-rounder completed his five-wicket haul with the wickets of Alex Cusack and John Mooney.