The Aussies registered a comfortable 42-run win over Ireland in a crucial T20 World Cup 2022 Super 12s clash in Brisbane on Monday, October 31, to keep their semi-finals hopes alive. A victory-margin of 74 runs would’ve helped them surpass England’s net run-rate, with the 2010 champions currently placed third having played a game less.
Ireland had a fine start with the ball after skipper Andrew Balbirnie won the toss, as Barry McCarthy dismissed David Warner in just the second over. The right-arm quick dismissed Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell later in his spell, while Aaron Finch held his end strong with a gritty fifty.
Marcus Stoinis provided fine support with a 25-ball 35 before Tim David and Matthew Wade ensured a strong finish that propelled the defending champions to 179/5. McCarthy returned 3/29 from his four overs while also affecting a stunning acrobatic effort on the long-on boundary to deny Stoinis a six.
The hosts of the tournament dented Ireland early in their chase, with Maxwell and Mitchell Starc bagging two wickets each within the first four overs after Pat Cummins had castled Balbirnie to reduce them to 25/5. Lorcan Tucker added 43 runs for the sixth wicket with Mark Adair and kept the scoreboard moving even as wickets kept falling from the other end.
Tucker struck nine fours and a six in a fighting 71* off 48, but lacked support from the other end as Ireland were skittled out for 137 with 1.5 overs unused.
Afghanistan will take on Sri Lanka, while England will be up against New Zealand on Tuesday, November 1.
Brief scores
Australia 179/5 in 20 overs (Finch 63, Stoinis 35; McCarthy 3-29, Little 2-21) beat Ireland 137 all-out in 18.1 overs (Tucker 71*; Maxwell 2-14, Starc 2-43) by 42 runs.
