MELBOURNE: Australia captain Aaron Finch said his team cannot afford to take Ireland lightly in Monday’s T20 World Cup contest, specially after Andy Balbirnie’s side pulled off a massive giant-killing act against England.

Ireland stunned England in a rain-marred Super 12 contest on Wednesday and are joined by defending cham­­pions Australia as well as England on three points, two behind Group 1 leaders New Zealand, from as many matches.

“They’ve got some seriously talented players,” Fin­ch said of their opponents ahead of the match in Brisbane.

“They’ve got a lot of experience, especially at the top of the order, as well, so they’re never a team that you can take lightly.

“If the wicket has got anything in it, they’ve got very good bowlers to maximise that as well.”

Australia will want to boost their net run rate which is behind England’s and Ireland’s, but Finch said they first need to put themselves in a position from where they can push for it.

“We have seen how damaging Ireland can be if you give them a sniff in a game,” the opener said.

“First and foremost you have to do the basics well and make sure you get your team into a position where if that presents you can push forward. “I think the last thing you want to do is push too hard and leave yourself with too much to do.”

Australia have amassed a string of explosive batters in their line-up but Finch said the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Tim David could play the anchor’s role as well.

“Tim David has a lot more batsmanship and craft than people give him credit for,” Finch said. He is someone who could potentially go up and see an innings through.”

Ireland have built a reputation as giant-killers, having also beaten two-time champions West indies in this World Cup, where leg-spinner Gareth Delany starred with 3-16.

“I think we know if we play pretty much near our best that we’re going to be able to compete with anybody here,” Delany told reporters at the Gabba.

“We’re not coming into any of these games fearing anybody,” added Delany.

“Obviously Australia have probably one of the best attacks in world cricket at the moment, so it will be a tough challenge,” said Del­any of the hosts and defending champions who boast seam-bowling greats Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in their line-up.

“But I think the guys have shown throughout this tournament that we can mix it with the best. Definitely have confidence in the guys to take it on.”

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2022