Colombo: Some brilliant all-round performance by Shane Watson ensured that Australia win their first match against Ireland without much fuss in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup. In the first league match of Group B, last times’ finalists Australia registered a convincing seven wicket victory over the minnows.
Ireland got off to a bad start after winning the toss and electing to bat first, they were two wickets down with almost nothing on the scoreboard. Ireland were in a desperate need og a partnership and their two most experienced batsmen Niall O’Brien and Ed Joyde tried to steady the ship. But, some fine bowling from the Australians ensured that there was no breathing space for the Irish.
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Brief Score:
Australia 125 for 3 (Watson 51)
Ireland 123 for 7 (Kevin O'Brien 35, Watson 3-26, Starc 2-20)
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Kevin O’Brien who played a scintillating knock against England in the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup was the best batsmen for his team. He looked most comfortable on the crease and scored runs at a decent pace. His innings of 35 took Ireland past the 120 run mark. For Australia, Watson was the pick of the bowlers with the figures of 3-26.
Australia in their pursuit, got off to a flying start. Watson hit some huge blows and Warner made sure that his partner gets most of the strike. Warner got out in the eighth over with the score at 60, Watson on the other end was going strong and he was particularly severe on the Irish spinners. He reached his 50 in no time, but got run-out straight after that from a brilliant throw from the deep.
Cameroon White and George Bailey then completed the formality.
Brief Score:
Ireland: 123/7 (Kevin O'Brien 35, Watson 3-26)
Australia: 125/3 (Watson 51)
By Indian Sports News Network
