Brisbane: Hosts Australia defeated Ireland by 42 runs in a Super 12 Group -A match of the T20 Cricket World Cup.
Ireland got a target of 180 runs to win. The Irish team was reduced to 137 runs in 18.1 overs while chasing the target. Wicket-keeper batsman Lokran Tucker played an unbeaten 71-run innings for the team.
For Australia, four bowlers – Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa – took two wickets each, while Marcus Stoinis took one wicket each.
Earlier, Australia batted first on the invitation of Ireland and scored 179 runs for the loss of five wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Captain Aaron Finch top-scored for the hosts with 63 runs. Finch hit five fours and three sixes in his 44-run knock. Stoinis contributed 35 and Mitchell Marsh contributed 28 runs.
For Ireland, Barry McCarthy took three wickets and Joshua Little took two wickets. New Zealand are at the top of Group A with five points. With the win against Ireland, the Australian team has moved to second place with five points from four matches with two wins, one loss and one match canceled.