The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 saw Australia crush Ireland by 67 runs in Match 14 at Colombo on February 11. Nathan Ellis delivered a stunning bowling display to earn the Player of the Match award. His 4/12 tore through Ireland’s batting lineup and sealed Australia’s comfortable victory.
Ireland suffered an early blow when captain Paul Stirling retired hurt after facing just one ball. George Dockrell fought hard with 41 runs off 29 balls, but his effort went in vain. Australia’s bowlers never let Ireland get close to the target.
Match Summary: AUS vs IRE
Here is the complete match summary of this Group B encounter:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Australia Score | 182/6 (20 overs) |
| Ireland Score | 115 all out (16.5 overs) |
| Match Result | Australia won by 67 runs |
| Best Batting (AUS) | Marcus Stoinis – 45 off 29 balls (2 fours, 1 six) |
| Best Batting (IRE) | George Dockrell – 41 off 29 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes) |
| Best Bowling (AUS) | Nathan Ellis – 4/12 in 3.5 overs (Econ: 3.13) |
| Best Bowling (IRE) | Mark Adair – 2/44 in 4 overs (Econ: 11.00) |
| Player of the Match | Nathan Ellis (AUS) |
Australia captain Travis Head won the toss and elected to bat first in this day-night fixture. The decision proved right as Australia posted a strong total despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
Australia Innings: 182/6 in 20 Overs
Australia lost Travis Head early in the second over for just 6 runs. A sharp run out by Calitz and Mark Adair sent the captain back. But Josh Inglis and Cameron Green steadied the innings. Inglis smashed 37 off 17 balls with 6 fours and a six. His strike rate of 217 set the tone for Australia’s aggressive approach.
Cameron Green added a quick 21 off 11 balls before Mark Adair dismissed him. Matt Renshaw then anchored the middle overs with 37 off 33 balls. He built crucial partnerships with Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis.
Marcus Stoinis played the innings of the day. He smashed 45 off just 29 balls with 2 fours and a six. His strike rate of 155 runs per 100 balls pushed Australia past 180. Cooper Connolly and Xavier Bartlett remained unbeaten on 11 each as Australia finished on 182/6. Matthew Humphreys picked up a wicket for Ireland with an economy of 8.25.
Ireland Chase: 115 All Out in 16.5 Overs
Ireland’s chase started with disaster. Captain Paul Stirling retired hurt after just one ball. He managed only 1 run before leaving the field. This left Ireland at 1/0 without their best batter.
Nathan Ellis struck immediately. He bowled Ross Adair for 12 in the second over. Harry Tector fell to Cameron Green and Matthew Kuhnemann for a duck. Curtis Campher managed just 4 runs before Green removed him too. Ireland slumped to 27/4 inside 5 overs.
Lorcan Tucker tried to rebuild with 24 off 27 balls. But Adam Zampa sent him back. George Dockrell showed some fight with 41 off 29 balls. He hit 3 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 141. Zampa eventually stumped him, ending Ireland’s hopes.
Nathan Ellis returned to clean up the tail. He bowled Ben Calitz for 2 and had Barry McCarthy caught for 2. Ireland folded for 115 in 16.5 overs. They fell short by 67 runs.
Key Highlight: Player of the Match – Nathan Ellis Destroys Ireland
The Australian fast bowler delivered a match-winning spell:
With the ball: 4/12 in 3.5 overs (Economy: 3.13)
Ellis bowled with pace and accuracy throughout his spell. He picked up Ross Adair early to set the tone. He then returned at the death to dismiss Ben Calitz and Barry McCarthy. His economy of 3.13 runs per over was the best among all bowlers. Adam Zampa supported him well with 4/23 in his 4 overs. Together they shared 8 wickets and broke Ireland’s batting.
