As Australia cruised to a 42-run victory against Ireland on Monday to keep their T20 World Cup semi-final chances alive, Aaron Finch returned to form with a timely half-century but concluded under an injury cloud. Australia defeats Ireland at the T20 World Cup thanks to Finch’s fifty. Australian bowlers headed by Mitchell Starc terrorized Ireland’s top order on Halloween. It was after Captain Finch scored 63 off 44 balls to help the champions set an imposing total of 179 for five at the Gabba in Brisbane.
After limiting Ireland to 25 for 5, Australia moved to the second position in Group 1 behind leader New Zealand, who still has a game in hand. However, the hosts blew a great chance to improve their net run rate above third-placed England. Ireland was bowled out for 137 after 18.1 overs, but not before Lorcan Tucker scored an unbeaten 71.
Stars, the bowler, was livid after Pat Cummins dropped Tucker on 35. There is still a lot riding on Jos Buttler and England’s ability to overcome unbeaten New Zealand on Tuesday at the same stadium, as the top two teams will advance to the semi-finals.
Australia defeats Ireland at the T20 World Cup thanks to Finch’s fifty
Finch, who sat out most of Ireland’s chase, isn’t Australia’s only injury concern. Tim David, who bats sixth, didn’t have to play defense because of a sore hamstring. Marcus Stoinis, an all-rounder, scored 35 runs and took a wicket in his one over of bowling before being taken off the field.
Although the Australian captain has a history of hamstring issues. Finch said he wanted to be healthy for Friday’s last Super 12 match against Afghanistan in Adelaide. The health scare dampened the home team’s victory in front of a sea of Halloween revelers.
Finch made a sluggish and awkward 31 not out in Perth’s win over Sri Lanka. He batted tensely at the start but relaxed with Mitchell Marsh (28) and Stoinis. He smashed a six to reach fifty in a terrible over from Ireland’s all-rounder Mark Adair. Mark had bowled five wides and gave up 26 runs for 0-59.
Barry McCarthy of Ireland, who finished with 3-29, saved four runs by throwing the ball back in before he landed after leaping over the rope to prevent a six from being hit by Stoinis.
Statements
Even though he didn’t get into the game until the fourth over of Ireland’s chase. Left-arm Starc was immediately affected by bowling Curtis Campher and George Dockrell for ducks with a sensational burst of pace and swing. That brought Ireland down to 25 for 5. But it was the low point for Starc and Australia. Tucker led them into a slog that might prove costly if run rates are the deciding factor.
“We didn’t get it in the right area enough (to Tucker),” Starc said.
“We take that catch and we could be sitting here talking about how we snuck back in the net run rate or whatever.”
“That doesn’t feel too bad at the moment but generally overnight they can stiffen up,” said the stocky opener.
