KEY POINTS
- Renshaw anchors, Connolly-Bartlett finish strong after early wobble in Dublin
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Australia recovered from an early stumble to post 182, setting Ireland a challenging victory target after a scrappy but effective batting display in T20 World Cup clash at Colombo.
Captain Travis Head’s aggressive intent lasted just seven balls.
The left-hander, looking to impose himself from the outset, called for a sharp single but was left stranded by a mix-up with Josh Inglis, brilliantly run out by Calitz and Mark Adair for 6.
Inglis, however, looked in ominous touch. The wicketkeeper-batter raced to 37 from just 17 deliveries, peppering the boundary with six fours before attempting one big shot too many.
He holed out to Paul Stirling at long-on off George Dockrell, departing with Australia on 69 for 3.
Green Shows Promise Before Adair Strikes
Cameron Green had signalled his intentions earlier, clearing the ropes twice in a brisk 21 from 11 balls.
But just as the partnership with Inglis was gathering momentum, Adair produced a pinpoint yorker that Dockrell gleefully accepted at deep midwicket.
At 69 for 3 in the seventh over, Ireland sensed an opportunity to restrict Australia well below par.
Renshaw anchors, Maxwell fails to fire
Matt Renshaw adopted the anchor role with patience and composure, rotating strike effectively while boundaries became harder to come by.
His 37 from 33 balls was uncharacteristically sedate but invaluable in context.
Glenn Maxwell’s brief stay promised fireworks but delivered only a fizzle.
After caressing one boundary, he top-edged Harry Tector to ‘keeper Tucker, departing for 9 and leaving Australia teetering at 88 for 4.
Stoinis Counter-Punches in Critical Stand
Marcus Stoinis walked in with the innings in the balance and immediately shifted momentum. His brutal 45 from just 29 balls featured two towering sixes and released mounting pressure.
In a pivotal 61-run stand with Renshaw, Stoinis targeted McCarthy and Adair with disdain, restoring Australia’s scoring rate.
Renshaw’s vigil ended in the 17th over, bowled by Humphreys attempting to accelerate, but the platform had been set.
Bartlett, Connolly provide late fireworks
With three overs remaining, Australia looked set for a total around 165. But Xavier Bartlett and Cooper Connolly had other ideas.
The duo plundered 23 runs from the final 12 deliveries, Bartlett crashing two boundaries while Connolly cleared the rope once.
Their unbroken 23-run stand lifted Australia past 180 — a total that had looked unlikely at various stages.
Mark Adair was the pick of the Irish attack, claiming 2 for 44 and generating genuine pace.
Dockrell, Tector and Humphreys each struck once, but the bowling unit collectively leaked 55 runs from the final five overs.
With 182 on the board, Australia possess a competitive total, but on a true surface, Ireland’s batters will back themselves.
