Australia wasted no time asserting supremacy in T20 World Cup 2026, routing Ireland by 67 runs in Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. Electing to bat, they crafted 182/6 in a innings blending caution and aggression, then unleashed bowlers who scripted a collapse.
Travis Head’s duck-like 6 triggered the first wicket at 7. Cameron Green (21 off 11: 6×4, 1×6) and Josh Inglis forged a 49-run partnership. Inglis exploded for 37 (7 boundaries in 17 balls), Renshaw added 37 (2×4 in 33 balls), and Stoinis’ 45 (3 boundaries in 29 balls) swelled the score.
Mark Adair (2/??) led Ireland’s bowling, supported by single scalps from Humphreys, Dockrell, and Tector.
Target in sight, Ireland imploded: 115 all out in 16.5 overs, five down at 43. Tucker’s 24 and Dockrell’s 41 (2×6, 3×4) couldn’t rescue. Ellis and Zampa’s identical 4-wicket hauls, plus Kuhnemann’s one, sealed the rout.
Topping Group B at +3.350 NRR, Australia eyes further dominance, leaving Ireland reeling and fans buzzing about the defending champions’ form.