BRISBANE, Australia — Aaron Finch made another scratchy start before breaking the shackles in a half-century that set Australia on course for a 42-run win over Ireland on Monday in a crucial Group 1 match for the defending champions at the Twenty20 World Cup.
Finch has been critical of his own form and took a while to get going before posting 63 from 44 balls as Australia accelerated late to reach 179-5 after being sent in to bat by Ireland.
The Irish got away to a flyer in reply with skipper Andy Balbirnie and veteran opener Paul Stirling each hitting a six in the first two overs before the Australian bowlers struck back ruthlessly with five wickets in 13 deliveries to dismantle the top order and leave them reeling at 25-5.
Lorcan Tucker’s lone hand of 71 delayed the inevitable, helping Ireland reach 137 in 18.1 overs.
The win improved Australia’s net run rate and put the 2021 champion back in contention for a spot in the semifinals on five points despite its heavy loss to New Zealand in the opening match of the Super 12s.
New Zealand leads the six-team group with five points from two wins and a washout ahead of Tuesday’s game against England. The English, after an upset loss to Ireland, are tied with the Irish on three points. The top two teams in both groups advance to the semifinals after the round-robin.
