COLOMBO (Dunya News) – Australia defeated Ireland by 67 runs in the 14th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, delivering a commanding all-round performance with both bat and ball.
After posting 182 for 6 in their 20 overs, Australia bowled Ireland out for 115 in 16.5 overs while defending a target of 183. The match was headlined by destructive bowling spells from Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa, who claimed four wickets each to seal a comfortable win.
Nathan Ellis' clever bowling paved the way for a solid Australia win and got him the @aramco POTM award pic.twitter.com/jMTrwOFJTf
— ICC (@ICC) February 11, 2026Australia’s innings began with an early setback when captain Travis Head was run out for six. The early blow did little to slow the scoring rate as Josh Inglis launched a counterattack, smashing 37 off just 17 balls with six fours and a six. Cameron Green added quick momentum with a brisk 21 from 11 deliveries.
Matt Renshaw steadied the middle overs with a composed 37 from 33 balls, rotating strike and keeping the scoreboard moving. Marcus Stoinis then provided the late surge with an aggressive 45 off 29 balls, lifting the total in the closing stages. Cooper Connolly remained unbeaten on 11, ensuring Australia finished with a run rate above nine per over. Glenn Maxwell made nine before being dismissed.
Ireland’s bowling unit struggled to contain the flow of runs on a batting-friendly surface. Mark Adair picked up two wickets but conceded 44 runs, while George Dockrell and Harry Tector claimed one each without managing to slow Australia’s late acceleration.
Ireland’s chase of 183 never gained stability. Captain Paul Stirling retired hurt after scoring one run, and the top order soon crumbled under sustained pressure. Ross Adair fell for 12 and Curtis Campher for four, both dismissed by Ellis in a fiery opening spell. Matthew Kuhnemann removed Harry Tector as wickets fell quickly inside the powerplay.
With the score under pressure, Lorcan Tucker tried to rebuild but managed only a modest contribution before falling to spin. George Dockrell played the most defiant knock for Ireland, scoring 41 from 29 balls with three fours and two sixes, but received little support from the other end.
Adam Zampa took control through the middle overs with his leg-spin, breaking Ireland’s resistance and removing key batters including Tucker, Dockrell and Mark Adair. His spell dismantled the middle and lower order and ensured Ireland never threatened the target.
Ellis returned to wrap up the innings and finished with outstanding figures of 4 for 12 in 3.5 overs. Zampa also ended with four wickets, while Kuhnemann chipped in with one, completing a clinical bowling effort.
Ireland were eventually bowled out for 115, handing Australia a dominant 67-run win to open their campaign in emphatic fashion.