Australia Dominates Ireland in T20 World Cup Opener
Australia’s pacer Nathan Ellis displayed a brilliant performance, taking three early wickets to set the tone as Australia defeated Ireland by 67 runs in their first group B match of the T20 World Cup. Ellis finished with impressive figures of 4/12 in 3.5 overs, while leg-spinner Adam Zampa also contributed with 4/23 in 4 overs to restrict Ireland to 115 for 9 in 16.5 overs.
The absence of key players like Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood due to injuries meant that Ellis had to step up as the lead pacer, which he did admirably. His early wickets, including the crucial dismissal of veteran Paul Stirling who retired hurt, put Australia in a strong position.
Ross Adair and Ben Calitz were among the victims of Ellis’s pace and bounce, with Zampa later cleaning up the middle and lower-order. George Dockrell’s fighting innings of 41 ensured that Ireland crossed the 100-run mark, but it was not enough as Ellis returned to wrap up the innings.
Earlier, Matthew Renshaw and Marcus Stoinis played crucial knocks to help Australia post a competitive total of 182 for 6 in 20 overs. Despite a disciplined bowling performance by Ireland spinners, a few dropped catches cost them dearly as Australia capitalized on the opportunities.
Josh Inglis and Cameron Green provided a strong start, with Inglis’s aggressive batting setting the tone. Stoinis’s contribution in the middle overs, along with Renshaw’s steady innings, helped Australia build a challenging total. Ireland fought back with key wickets, but Australia’s lower-order acceleration ensured they reached a formidable score.
In the end, Australia’s strong all-round performance in both bowling and batting secured a convincing victory over Ireland, marking a positive start to their T20 World Cup campaign.
