Australia got their Twenty20 World Cup defense back on track by beating Ireland by 42 runs at the Gabba in Brisbane on Monday.
Ireland, chasing Australia’s 179-5, were all out for 137 in the 19th over to move five points level with Australia, who have a game in hand, at the top of Group 1.
England, who play New Zealand on Tuesday, are third, two points behind Australia but with a better net run rate, a factor that could prove crucial in a tough group.
Ireland also had three points, with hopes of reaching the semi-finals gone before the match but were blown away by Mitchell Starc’s pace and in-swing and then the scoreboard pressure of his 180-run target.
They slumped to 25-5 and despite Lorcan Tucker’s brilliant unbeaten 71, the World Cup hosts had a comfortable victory.
Australia captain Aaron Finch, who won the man of the match award for his 63, said the scoring was not straightforward.
“It wasn’t the easiest wicket, it was a lot slower than we expected,” Finch said. “They changed their pace really well and bowled a lot of cutters early in the innings.
“It was difficult to get into a rhythm and we did well to get 179.”
Earlier, Finch returned to form with his 44-ball innings that included five fours and three sixes, answering critics who called for him to be dropped after a poor run with the bat.
Finch denied that he was affected by all the gossip. “No, not feeling the pressure at all, to be honest,” Finch said.
“The support from the changing room and support staff has been incredible. T20 is a high-stakes game, sometimes it goes over, sometimes it doesn’t.”
He persevered, acting as the anchor as Australia lost their first three wickets in the face of tough Irish bowling.
Ireland is ‘Progressing’
His cautious approach paid off and Finch took advantage as Ireland’s attack began to falter under the pressure of Marcus Stoins’ attack, who scored 35 off 25 balls.
Ireland started their run chase at a brisk pace but suffered a major blow when captain Andy Balburnie was bowled by Pat Cummins for six off the last ball of the second over.
This was followed almost immediately by the dangerous Paul Stirling, who was caught by Cummins for 11 off part-time spinner Glenn Maxwell.
Maxwell then had Harry Tector caught at square leg for Ireland’s 24 and the game was as good as one run later when Starc clean bowled Curtis Kaempfer for a wicket.
Starc was bowling with real pace and struck again with another lovely in-swinger to George Dockrell, leaving Ireland 25-5.
Tucker and Gareth Delaney led a minor revival until Delaney tried to belt Stoins for a six off Maxwell.
Tucker, who came in at number three, played single-handed, scoring his 71 in 48 balls until he ran out of partners.
“We’re making strides to keep up with these big teams – looking at the scoreboard we thought it wasn’t against us,” said skipper Balberney.
“Once again the wickets column was an issue and who knows if anyone stayed with Tucker.”
