India batsman Shikhar Dhawan believes that his team's "experience" is helping them perform in this year's World Cup campaign.

The holders secured their ninth consecutive victory in the tournament by beating Ireland comfortably by eight wickets in Hamilton.

Dhawan was named man of the match at the end of the contest after scoring his eighth one-day international century.

"I've spent lots of time here and sorted out my game," The Guardian quotes Dhawan as saying. "I'm used to the bounce and the pace and really enjoying my game over here.

"The boys have learned, have got experience, and all those experiences are being used. The captain's message was just to keep doing the same thing, field with the same intensity, and that's what we did. How would I rate my innings? I always give myself 10. I'd say I played more creatively, playing different shots, so I'd say that."

India's final group match is against Zimbabwe in Auckland.