Australia Cruise Past Ireland by 67 Runs in T20 World Cup Opener as Marsh Ruled Out
A depleted Australia brushed aside the absence of injured captain Mitchell Marsh to secure a commanding 67-run victory over Ireland in their opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday. Stand-in skipper Travis Head won the toss and elected to bat first, guiding Australia to 182-6 in 20 overs. In response, Ireland were bowled out for 115 in 16.5 overs. With Marsh ruled out before the match, Josh Inglis was promoted to open and delivered a quickfire 37 off just 17 balls. Marcus Stoinis top-scored with 45, while Matt Renshaw added 37 to help Australia post a competitive total. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis, who had been recovering from a hamstring injury ahead of the tournament, delivered a standout performance with figures of 4-12. Spinner Adam Zampa also impressed, claiming 4-23. Ellis struck twice in his opening over, reducing Ireland to 27-4 early on. A 46-run sixth-wicket partnership between Lorcan Tucker and George Dockrell briefly steadied...