A depleted Australia brushed aside the absence of injured captain Mitchell Marsh to secure a commanding 67-run victory over Ireland in their opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday. Stand-in skipper Travis Head won the toss and elected to bat first, guiding Australia to 182-6 in 20 overs. In response, Ireland were bowled out for 115 in 16.5 overs. With Marsh ruled out before the match, Josh Inglis was promoted to open and delivered a quickfire 37 off just 17 balls. Marcus Stoinis top-scored with 45, while Matt Renshaw added 37 to help Australia post a competitive total. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis, who had been recovering from a hamstring injury ahead of the tournament, delivered a standout performance with figures of 4-12. Spinner Adam Zampa also impressed, claiming 4-23. Ellis struck twice in his opening over, reducing Ireland to 27-4 early on. A 46-run sixth-wicket partnership between Lorcan Tucker and George Dockrell briefly steadied Ireland, but the disciplined Australian attack kept them under pressure. Dockrell scored 41 before being stumped off Zampa. Marsh was ruled out after sustaining a groin injury during training. According to Cricket Australia, scans confirmed internal testicular bleeding, and he will require rest and rehabilitation. Australia have called up Steve Smith as standby cover should Marsh be unable to feature in the remainder of the tournament. The team is already without key pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, both sidelined due to injury. Speaking after the match, Ellis said he was pleased with the team’s strong start and focused on contributing rather than leading the attack. Australia’s convincing win gives them early momentum despite the injury setbacks as they look ahead to the rest of the month-long tournament.
Australia Cruise Past Ireland by 67 Runs in T20 World Cup Opener as Marsh Ruled Out
