1st T20: Rohit's 97 powers India to 208 against Ireland

Rohit Sharma played a beautiful knock of 97 runs to help India put a mammoth 209 runs target for Ireland in the first T20I at The Village, Dublin on Wednesday. 

The right-handed opener slammed eight boundaries and five sixes before being clean bowled just three runs short to his century by Peter Chase.

The Indian Cricket team got a perfect start after Rohit along with Shikhar Dhawan established160 runs partnership. However, the alliance broke when Dhawan gave away his wicket to Kevin O Brien at 74. His 45-ball inning included five fours and five sixes.

The Indian inning was all about openers as the downline failed to save their wickets. 

Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni succumbed to the bowling attack of Ireland at 10 and 11 respectively. Skipper Virat Kohli also gave away his wicket by trying to hit a six on the first ball he played. Unfortunately, he had to go back to the pavilion without opening his account. 

Ireland, on the other hand, marked their return in the game only after both the openers were lost their wickets.

Peter Chase clinched four wickets and gave 35 runs in his four overs spell.  George Dockrell was the costliest among all as he gave 40 runs without taking a wicket.

Earlier, Ireland won the toss and opted to ball against India.