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COLOMBO: Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa’s four-wicket hauls skittled Ireland for a mere score as Australia started their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a 67-run win over Ireland in the 14th match here at the RPS Stadium on Wednesday.
Opting to bat first, Australia racked up 182-6 in their 20 overs, despite the absence of their regular skipper, Mitchell Marsh, who was ruled out due to injury.
After losing Travis Head early in the piece, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis stabilized the innings with a brisk 49-run partnership off 23 balls.
The scorecard read 56 when Green was dismissed after managing 21 from 11 with the help of two sixes.
Ireland bowlers quickly maintained their composure to leave Australia in a mess with four down for 88 in 9.3 overs.
George Dockrell and Harry Tector combined to dismiss Josh Inglis (37 from 17) and Glenn Maxwell (9).
After quick wickets, Matt Renshaw and Marcus Stoinis launched a recovery with a 61 run parntership.
The pair propelled the scorecard to 149 runs in 16.5 overs. The stand eventually culminated with Renshaw’s wicket, who made 37 from 33 balls.
Marcus Stoinis, meanwhile, with his blitz, ensured that Australia finished strong.
In reply, Ireland were bowled out for 115 in 16.5 overs.
Ireland suffered an early blow as their captain, Paul Stirling, went back to the pavilion after retiring hurt.
Australia pacer Nathan Ellis tore through the top and middle order, picking up four wickets for just 12 runs.
The early blows never allowed Ireland’s batters to settle as they were reduced to 43-5 in 6.5 overs.
George Dockrell and Lorcan Tucker tried to arrest the slide with a 46-run partnership. The pair brought the total to 89 in 13.4 overs.
The stand ended with Tucker’s wicket, who made 24 from 27 balls.
Following the wicket, Ireland’s innings quickly unraveled with Ellis taking the last wicket.
Besides Ellis, Zampa also shone with the ball, taking four wickets in his quota of four overs.
