ICC World T20: Australia Crush Ireland

In the first of the double headers on Wednesday, Australia relegated Ireland to a seven wicket loss at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Choosing to bat first, the Irish had a horror start to the match as their captain William Porterfield got dismissed off the first delivery itself. Shane Watson who surprisingly opened the bowling was in the thick of the action throughout with three wickets and a catch. Regular wickets meant the Irish were struggling at 33 for four in the eight over. Kevin O Brien thereafter receiving steady support from his brother Niall launched into an attack on the bowlers to take the score to a semblance of respect.The score of 123 though not challenging should have posed a few questions of an inexperienced Aussie batting line up.

In reply, the Australians got off to a flying start through Warner and Watson. The latter scored a half century in addition to the three wickets he took earlier in the day. The dismissal of Warner could never halt the run rate as Cameron White too scored a quick twenty. The Australians chased down the target in a mere 15 overs with seven wickets in hand.

For his all round performance Shane Watso nwas adjudged the man of the match.