Australia celebrating a dismissal [Source: Associated Press]
The 31st match of the ongoing T20 World Cup witnessed Australia knock over Ireland comprehensively by 42 runs in Brisbane. The hosts significantly boosted their net run rate with this thumping win.
Australia post a challenging total as Finch leads from the front
After being put into bat, Australia had a poor start to their innings, losing David Warner to Barrry McCarthy in the third over. However, skipper Aaron Finch resurrected the innings alongside Mitchell Marsh, as the duo added 52 runs for the second wicket.
Aaron Finch slammed a fine fifty [Source: Associated Press]
After Marsh's departure, Glenn Maxwell couldn't do much, making his way back to the dugout for a nine-ball 13. However, Marcus Stoinis started from where he left against Sri Lanka, playing a blistering cameo of 35 runs which was pivotal in powering Australia to a fighting total.
On the other hand, Finch constructed his 44-ball 63 with the help of five fours and three humongous sixes. Tim David and Matthew Wade exhibited their finishing skills to perfection, as Australia finished on 179 for five at the end of 20 overs.
McCarthy was the pick of the bowlers for Ireland, scalping three wickets for 29 runs.
Ireland fall short despite Lorcan Tucker's heroics
Just like their opponents, Ireland began their innings horribly, losing their openers in 2.2 overs. Continuing his unimpressive runs, Harry Tector went back to the hut for only six runs. Adding to Ireland's miseries, Mitchell Starc castled Curtis Campher and George Dockrell for ducks in his very first over.
Tucker fought with utmost bravery [Source: Associated Press]
However, Lorcan Tucker and Gareth Delany showed some spine against the rampant Australian attack, stitching a 43-run stand for the sixth wicket. But Delany's dismissal opened the floodgates for Ireland, as they were eventually bowled out for 137 with 1.5 overs to spare.
Tucker emerged as the lone warrior for the Irishmen with the bat, smashing nine fours and one six for his fluent 48-ball 71*.
Brief Scores
Australia: 179/5 (20)
Aaron Finch 63 (44), Marcus Stoinis 35 (25);
Barry McCarthy 3/29 (4), Joshua Little 2/21 (4)
Ireland: 137 (18.1)
Lorcan Tucker 71* (48), Gareth Delany 14 (10);
Glenn Maxwell 2/14 (2.1), Adam Zampa 2/19 (4)
Australia won by 42 runs.
 "Debashis Sarangi")
