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WC: Dhawan hits century to beat Ireland, register fifth straight win

by IBNS 10 Mar 2015, 10:25 am

Hamilton, Mar 10 (IBNS): Shikhar Dhawan hit his second century in the World Cup as India defeated Ireland by eight wickets to register their fifth straight win in the 50-over mega event here on Tuesday.

Bowling out Ireland for 259 runs, Indian batsmen reached the target of 260 runs by losing two wickets with 79 balls to spare.

Ahead of the quarter-finals, Dhawan showed he is good touch by hitting 100 runs off 85 balls. He hammered 11 boundaries and five sixes in his innings as he joined Rohit Sharma (64) to added 174 runs in the first wicket partnership to give the current champions a brilliant start in the match.

Stuart Thompson struck twice and showed both the openers the door towards the pavilion.

Virat Kohli (44*) and Ajinkya Rahane (33*) added 70 runs in the third wicket partnership to reach the target quite easily at the end.

Earlier, India bowled out Ireland for 259 runs in a Pool B stage of the World Cup.

Despite making a strong start, Ireland later lost wickets quickly to be bowled out for 259 runs in 49 overs.

William Porterfield (67) and Paul Stirling (42) made a positive start and added 89 runs in the first wicket partnership.  Situation changed dramatically after R Ashwin took the wicket of Stirling and gave India the first break-through.

Ireland kept losing wickets at regular intervals with only 

Niall O'Brien (75) contributing significantly with his willow. He hit seven boundaries and three sixes in his knock.

Mohammed Shami remained the pick of the Indian bowlers as he took three wickets and R Ashwin took two as India will need to score 260 runs to register another victory in the tournament.

The defending champions have already booked a seat in the quater-finals.