Super 12 Group 1: Australia stay alive with a commanding win
The Australian Cricket Team did a fine job as they registered a comprehensive win over the spirited Ireland side played at the Gabba, Brisbane on Monday.
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie won the toss and decided to
field first. Barry McCarthy got an early wicket dismissing Warner caught by Mark
Adair at short fine leg. Mitchell Marsh and Aaron Finch put the Ireland bowlers
under pressure keeping the scoreboard ticking. At the end of the first six overs,
Australia made 38 for 1.
Marsh and Finch looked in sensational touch keeping the
momentum going for Australia. Ireland got their 2nd wicket as McCarthy
dismissed Mitchell caught by Tucker ending 52 runs stand for the 2nd
wicket. Glenn Maxwell was given out by the umpire but on review, it was
overturned to not out as there was an inside edge. Little struck to get rid of
Maxwell to leave Australia in trouble.
Marcus Stoinis put enough pressure on the Ireland bowling
along with Finch. Barry McCarthy produced a stunning save at long-on to
restrict Finch and Stoinis to only 2 runs. Finch and Stoinis kept the momentum
going as Mark Adair struggled for rhythm. Finch looked solid completing fifty
off 38 balls.
McCarthy dismissed Aaron Finch caught at long-on. Finch and
Stoinis added 70 runs for the 4th wicket. Joshua Little got rid of
Stoinis with a well-judged catch by Dockrell at backward point. Tim David hit
some vital runs in the final over to help Australia post 179 for 5 in 20 overs.
Chasing 180 runs to win, Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie showed
intent initially before the Australian bowlers wreaked havoc. Glenn Maxwell
took 2 wickets in an over getting rid of Stirling and Tector. Mitchell Starc
produced stunning deliveries getting Campher and Dockrell’s wicket to leave
Ireland in big trouble at 25 for 5. Lorcan Tucker looked in prime touch putting
pressure on the Australian bowlers. At the end of 6 overs, Ireland scored 49
for 5.
Tucker impressed with his style of batting taking on
Mitchell Starc. Stoinis struck in his first over getting rid of Delany providing a simple catch to Maxwell. Tucker and Delany added 43 runs for the 6th
wicket. Tucker showed his intent making life tough for Australian bowlers. On other
hand, the rest of Ireland's batting lineup did not give support. Tucker completed his
fifty off 40 balls and continued his aggressive style of batting. Aaron Finch went
off the field due to an injury.
Pat Cummins provided a much-needed wicket by getting rid of
McCarthy with a simple catch to substitute Steve Smith at deep midwicket.
McCarthy and Tucker added 33 runs for the 9th wicket. Joshua Little
was run out ending the innings on 137.
Australia 179 for 5 in 20 overs ( Finch 63, Stoinis 35,
McCarthy 3/29) beat Ireland 137 in 18.1 overs ( Tucker 71*, Zampa 2/19) by 42
runs.
With this win, Australia moved to the 2nd spot in the
points table but with an inferior net run rate than England. For his 44 balls 63
runs, Aaron Finch was named the player of the match.
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