Australia secured their second win of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 as they defeated Ireland by 42 runs at the ICC T20 World Cup Group 1 Super 12 match played at the Gabba in Brisbane on October 31.
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie won the toss and decided to field first. Barry McCarthy took an early wicket dismissing David Warner. Mitchell Marsh and Aaron Finch put pressure on the Ireland bowling lineup with attacking shots. McCarthy struck again to get rid of Marsh ending 52 runs partnership for the second wicket.
Glenn Maxwell’s poor form continued dismissed cheaply by Joshua Little. Marcus Stoinis and Aaron Finch put enough pressure on the Ireland bowlers, especially Mark Adair struggling for rhythm. Barry McCarthy produced a stunning save at long-on.
The incident took place in the 15th over as McCarthy showed the presence of minds leaping and saving four runs. Marcus Stoinis and Aaron Finch kept the momentum going for Australia with lusty blows.
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Aaron Finch and Stoinis made the batting look easy keeping the scoreboard ticking. Stoinis and Finch added 70 runs for the fourth wicket. It was a sensational effort by McCarthy as the Brisbane crowd appreciated the brilliant save.
The Ireland bowlers kept it tight in the last 2 overs dismissing both well-set batters. Tim David scored some vital runs during the final over as Australia posted 179 for 5 in 20 overs.
Australia trump Ireland by 42 runs
Chasing 180 runs to win, Ireland openers Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie made an aggressive start before Australian bowlers grabbed 5 quick wickets to dent the opposition. Mitchell Starc looked threatening to dismiss Curtis Campher and George Dockrell in the same over to leave Ireland in big trouble.
Lorcan Tucker showed intent in putting the Australian bowlers under pressure. None of the Ireland batters gave support to Tucker. Tucker kept the scoreboard ticking with some lovely shots against Adam Zampa and Australian pacers. Tucker completed fifty off 40 balls and kept hopes of Ireland alive.
Tucker showed class taking on Mitchell Starc as the rest of Ireland’s batters struggled against top-quality Australian bowling. Ireland was bowled out for 137 as Tucker made an unbeaten 71 off 48 balls with 9 fours and 1 six.
Australia moves to the second spot with five points and one match remaining against Afghanistan. For his 63 off 44 balls, Aaron Finch was named the player of the match award. Ireland cannot qualify for the semi-finals stage as they have only 3 points with one game to spare against New Zealand.
Australia kept their hopes alive of reaching the semi-finals stage. They needed to restrict Ireland to 104 or below to go above the net run rate of England.
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