Australia started their T20 World Cup campaign with a bang as they beat Ireland by seven wickets. Ireland known for their reputation of causing upsets failed to give any substantial threat and were beaten comprehensively.
Electing to bat first, Ireland failed to capitalize and succumbed rather easily to the Australian attack. They were bundled out for a paltry 125. It was never a huge ask for the Kangaroos and even they received some jolts in their innings, eventually romped home in the 16th over.
Here are few hits and flops of the match:
Australia:
Hits:
Shane Watson: Shane Watson lived up to his reputation of being a champion all-rounder and put up a good show with both bat and ball. First up with the ball, he rattled the Irish batting line-up and picked up three crucial wickets. He finished with figures of 3-26 in four overs. Coming out to bat, he spearheaded the batting and scored 51 off just 30 deliveries laced with five fours and three sixes. It was unfortunate that he could not carry his bat throughout the innings, but then his innings put the match beyond Ireland’s reach.
Mitchell Starc: The left arm medium pacer Starc complimented his senior player Shane Watson very well in the bowling department. He bowled with a lot of discipline and clocked decent pace. He hardly bowled any loose deliveries and was rewarded for his strict line and length. He ended with figures of 2-20 in four overs.
Ireland:
Hits:
Kevin O’ Brien: Kevin O’ Brien was the only Irish batsman who was looking at ease against the Australian bowling attack. He did pose a threat to Australia till the time he was on the pitch. He scored 35 off 29 deliveries including five boundaries. He was the highest run scorer for Ireland in the match.
Flops:
William Porterfield: The skipper was expected to lead the Irish batting from the front but then he made a complete mess of himself and was out first ball. His wicket triggered the collapse for Ireland and they never could get back into the match.
Trent Johnson: A lot was expected from the veteran pace bowler from Ireland but then he hardly bowled to his reputation and was taken for runs. He leaked too many runs for the captain’s liking. He gave away 21 runs of just two overs.
By Indian Sports News Network
