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Australia made a strong start to their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 67-run win over Ireland in Colombo on Wednesday. The Aussies posted a competitive total before their bowlers wrapped up the chase with ease.
Ireland were bowled out for 115 in 16.5 overs while chasing 183. Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis shared the spoils, taking four wickets each to seal the comfortable victory.
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Ellis was named Player of the Match after finishing with outstanding figures of 4 for 12 in 3.5 overs. He said the team was focused on adjusting to unfamiliar conditions and sticking to their plans despite missing some senior players.
Australia earlier posted 182 for 6 from their 20 overs, thanks largely to Marcus Stoinis. The all-rounder struck a brisk 45 off just 29 balls to give the innings momentum in the middle overs.
Stoinis and Matt Renshaw steadied the side after a few quick wickets. The pair added a useful partnership that pushed Australia toward the 180-run mark.
Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell both fell after getting starts, leaving Australia at 116 for 4 after 13 overs. But Stoinis continued to attack, helping Australia collect 13 runs in the 16th over and keep the scoreboard moving.
Ireland’s bowlers pulled things back late when Mark Adair dismissed Stoinis at deep mid-wicket in the 19th over. Still, Australia finished with a strong total that proved too much for the Irish batters.
Ireland’s chase began brightly as Ross Adair hit a four and a six in the opening over. However, the innings quickly unraveled once Australia’s bowlers found their rhythm.
Nathan Ellis struck early to remove both Ross Adair and Curtis Campher. Matthew Kuhnemann added another big wicket when he dismissed Harry Tector, leaving Ireland struggling at 18 for 3 after three overs.
Things worsened when Paul Stirling retired hurt after scoring just one run. Benjamin Calitz soon followed, and Ireland slipped to 27 for 4 inside five overs.
Gareth Delany tried to counterattack with a few boundaries, but Zampa broke the resistance by removing him. The leg-spinner then dismissed Lorcan Tucker with a well-flighted googly, and Ireland were in deep trouble at 90 for 6.
Zampa later picked up two more wickets, including Mark Adair, to complete his four-wicket haul. Ellis returned to clean up the tail as Ireland were all out for 115.
Australia had entered the tournament after a 0-3 series loss to Pakistan and were also dealing with several injury setbacks. Captain Mitchell Marsh was ruled out of the match, with Travis Head leading the side at the toss and choosing to bat first.
Despite the absences, Australia delivered a complete performance with both bat and ball. The dominant win gives them early momentum in the tournament.
FAQ:
Who won the Australia vs Ireland match in the T20 World Cup 2026?
Australia defeated Ireland by 67 runs in their opening match of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo.
What was Australia’s total against Ireland?
Australia scored 182 for 6 in their 20 overs, setting a target of 183 runs for Ireland.
How many runs did Ireland score in the chase?
Ireland were bowled out for 115 in 16.5 overs while chasing Australia’s total.
Who was the Player of the Match in AUS vs IRE?
Nathan Ellis was named Player of the Match for his impressive bowling figures of 4 for 12.
Which bowlers starred for Australia in the match?
Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa were the standout bowlers, taking four wickets each.
Who was the top scorer for Australia?
Marcus Stoinis was the top scorer for Australia with a quick 45 runs off 29 balls.
How did Ireland start their run chase?
Ireland started aggressively with Ross Adair hitting early boundaries, but they quickly lost wickets and fell to 18 for 3 in three overs.
Why did Paul Stirling leave the field during the chase?
Paul Stirling retired hurt after scoring just one run, which added to Ireland’s early troubles.
Who led Australia in the match?
Travis Head captained Australia at the toss and chose to bat first as regular captain Mitchell Marsh was unavailable due to injury.
What does this result mean for Australia in the tournament?
The big win gives Australia a strong start and early momentum in their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.
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