Finch’s 63 leads Australia to victory over Ireland at T20 World Cup

Published October 31, 2022
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell (R) celebrates the last wicket of Ireland with teammate Steve Smith during the ICC men’s Twenty20 World Cup 2022 cricket match between Australia and Ireland at The Gabba on October 31, 2022 in Brisbane. — AFP
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell (R) celebrates the last wicket of Ireland with teammate Steve Smith during the ICC men’s Twenty20 World Cup 2022 cricket match between Australia and Ireland at The Gabba on October 31, 2022 in Brisbane. — AFP

Australia got their Twenty20 World Cup defence back on track with a 42-run win over Ireland at the Gabba in Brisbane on Monday.

Ireland, chasing Australia’s 179-5, were all out for 137 in the 19th over to put Australia level on five points with leaders New Zealand, who have a game in hand, at the top of Group 1.

England, who play New Zealand on Tuesday, are third, two points behind Australia but with a superior net run rate, a factor that could become crucial in a tight group.

Ireland, also on three points, had outside hopes of reaching the semi-finals before the match but they were blown away in the chase by the pace and inswing of Mitchell Starc and then by the scoreboard pressure of their 180-run target.

They slumped to 25-5 and handed the World Cup hosts a comfortable win despite a superb unbeaten 71 from Lorcan Tucker.

Australia captain Aaron Finch, who won the man of the match award for his 63 runs, said scoring had not been straightforward.

“It wasn’t the easiest wicket, it was a lot slower than what we expected,” Finch said. “They changed their pace really well and bowled a lot of cutters early in the innings.

“It was hard to get a rhythm and we did well to get 179.”

Earlier Finch had stormed back into form with his 44-ball knock which contained five fours and three sixes, answering critics who had called for him to be dropped after a poor run with the bat.

Finch denied he had been affected by all the chatter. “Nah, not feeling the pressure at all, to be honest,” Finch said.

“The support from the change room and support staff has been incredible.T20 is a high risk-game, sometimes it comes off, sometimes it doesn’t.”

He stayed patient, playing the anchor role as Australia lost their first three wickets to tight Irish bowling.

Ireland ‘making progress’

His circumspect approach paid off and Finch profited after the Ireland attack began to falter under the pressure of an onslaught from Marcus Stoinis, who blasted 35 off 25 balls.

Ireland started their run chase briskly but suffered a big blow when captain Andy Balbirnie was bowled by Pat Cummins for six off the last ball of the second over.

He was followed almost immediately by the dangerous Paul Stirling, who was caught at mid-off by Cummins from part-time spinner Glenn Maxwell for 11.

Maxwell then had Harry Tector caught at square leg with Ireland on 24 and the game was as good as over one run later when Starc clean-bowled Curtis Campher for a duck.

Starc was bowling with real pace and he struck again with another beautiful inswinger to account for George Dockrell, leaving Ireland reeling at 25-5.

Tucker and Gareth Delany led a slight recovery until Delany skied to Maxwell trying to belt Stoinis for six.

Tucker, who had come in at number three, played a lone hand, amassing his 71 from 48 deliveries until he ran out of partners.

“We’re making progress to keep up with these big teams — looking at the scoreboard we thought it wasn’t against us,” captain Balbirnie said.

“Again the wickets column was a problem and who knows if someone had stayed with Tucker.”

Opinion

Editorial

Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

To drag a critical ally like Saudi Arabia into unfounded conspiracies is detrimental to Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...