Delhi: Australia achieved a spectacular 67-run victory over Ireland in the 14th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 played in Colombo on Wednesday. With this, the Australian team opened its account in the tournament and reached the top position in the points table of Group B. On the other hand, Ireland suffered its second consecutive defeat and slipped to fourth position. The net run rate of the team has become -2.175.

Australia’s innings

Batting first after the toss, Australia’s start was not as expected and the opening wicket fell early. After this, Josh English gave stability to the innings by playing a steady inning of 37 runs. He hit attractive shots in the cover area and also got some fours with the help of luck.

Cameron Green also showed pace by scoring 21 runs. During this, he hit one four and two brilliant sixes. After Green’s dismissal, Matt Renshaw and Marcus Stoinis took command of the team. Renshaw played a restrained inning of 37 runs, while Stoinis showed aggressive attitude in the last overs by scoring 45 runs. There was an important partnership of 61 runs between the two, which put the team in a strong position.

Australia scored 53 runs in the last five overs of the innings and made a challenging score of 182 runs at the loss of six wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Ireland’s bowlers maintained control in the middle overs, but they suffered losses due to some easy catches being missed.

Ellis and Zampa wreaked havoc, Ireland’s innings shattered

The Irish team, which came to chase the target of 183 runs, looked under pressure from the very beginning. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis shook the top order by bowling lethally with the new ball. In his spell, he took four wickets for 12 runs in 3.5 overs and did not give the opposition batsmen a chance to recover.

Leg spinner Adam Zampa also performed brilliantly in the middle overs. He took four wickets for 23 runs in four overs and dashed Ireland’s hopes of a comeback. Matthew Kunehmen also had a success.

Dockrell’s fighting innings in vain

On behalf of Ireland, George Dockrell definitely struggled by scoring 41 runs in 29 balls and took the team beyond 100 runs, but he did not get the expected support from the other end. Captain Paul Stirling could not come out to bat due to injury, which further weakened the team’s position.

The entire Irish team was all out for 115 runs in 16.5 overs and Australia won the match by 67 runs. With this victory, Australia not only returned to the tournament but also strengthened its claim in the group.

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