Australia kicked off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a dominant 67-run victory over Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Standing in as captain with Mitchell Marsh sidelined due to injury, Travis Head won the toss and elected to bat. Despite losing Head early to a run-out, Australia posted a competitive 182/6 powered by Josh Inglis’s explosive 37 off 17 balls and Marcus Stoinis’s crucial 45 off 29.
Ireland’s chase never gained momentum as they lost Paul Stirling to a hamstring injury off the first ball and crumbled to 115 all out in 16.5 overs.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | 14th Match, Group B |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Date | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 |
| Toss | Australia (elected to bat) |
| Result | Australia won by 67 runs |
| Australia | 182/6 (20 overs) |
| Ireland | 115 all out (16.5 overs) |
| Player of the Match | Nathan Ellis |
First Innings Highlights (Australia: 182/6)
Australia’s innings began dramatically when Travis Head was run out for 6 after a mix-up with Josh Inglis.
However, Inglis counterattacked brilliantly, smashing six fours and a six in his 17-ball 37 before falling to George Dockrell.
Cameron Green contributed a quick-fire 21 off 11 balls with two sixes before Mark Adair dismissed him. Glenn Maxwell was disappointed with just 9, caught behind off Harry Tector.
Matt Renshaw anchored the middle overs with a steady 37 off 33 balls, while Marcus Stoinis provided the late fireworks with 45 off 29, including a towering six over square leg. Australia accumulated a record 22 twos during their innings.
| Category | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Best Batter | Marcus Stoinis | 45 (29 balls), 2 fours, 1 six |
| Best Bowler | George Dockrell | 4-0-31-1, Economy 7.75 |
| Fastest Fifty | Josh Inglis | 37 (17 balls), 6 fours, 1 six |
Second Innings Highlights (Ireland: 115 all out)
Ireland’s chase suffered an immediate blow when captain Paul Stirling pulled his hamstring off the first delivery and retired hurt.
Nathan Ellis then dismantled the top order, dismissing Ross Adair (bowled for 12), Curtis Campher (caught for 4), and Benjamin Calitz (bowled for 2) to reduce Ireland to 27/4 inside five overs.
George Dockrell fought valiantly with 41 off 29 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, while Lorcan Tucker made 24.
Adam Zampa proved unplayable, claiming 4/23, including the crucial wickets of Gareth Delany, Dockrell (stumped), and Mark Adair. Ireland’s last six wickets fell for just 25 runs as Ellis finished with 3/9 from his four overs.
| Category | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Best Batter | George Dockrell | 41 (29 balls), 3 fours, 2 sixes |
| Best Bowler | Adam Zampa | 4-0-23-4 |
| Most Economical | Nathan Ellis | 4-1-9-3, Economy 2.25 |
