Defending champions Australia kept their semifinal hopes alive at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 as they defeated Ireland by 42 runs at The Gabba in Brisbane on Monday.
Captain Aaron Finch played a brilliant innings of 63 from 44 deliveries and guided Australia to 179 for five before they returned to bundle out Ireland for 137 in 18.1 overs.
No. 3 batter Lorcan Tucker fought alone for the Irish side as he remained unbeaten on 71 after facing 48 balls.
Earlier, Finch and Marcus Stoinis (35 off 25) added a 70-run partnership for the fifth wicket and took Australia’s total to 150 plus, which is competitive at The Gabba, considering long boundaries and the help for the fast bowlers from the pitch.
Barry McCarthy was the pick of the bowlers for Ireland with 3-29, while Josh Little (2-21) scalped two wickets.
Brief scores: Australia 179/5 in 20 overs (Aaron Finch 63, Marcus Stoinis 35; Barry McCarthy 3-29, Joshua Little 2-21) beat Ireland 137 all out in 18.1 overs (Lorcan Tucker 71 not out; Glenn Maxwell 2-14, Mitchell Starc 2-43) by 42 runs.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Class of Aussie bowlers is shining bright 🌟 #T20WorldCup
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) October 31, 2022
No shame in that loss gents @cricketireland , some really good stuff with the ball and super chuffed for Barry and Lorcan. 2 lads that get little plaudits but both were outstanding tonight. Aussie too good on the night. @T20WorldCup
— Niall John O Brien (@niallnobiobrien) October 31, 2022
Right, so England's net run rate will stay ahead of Australia after this game, just. They owe Lorcan Tucker a beer.
— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) October 31, 2022
This is a treat to watch from Lorcan Tucker, and makes Australia's route to qualification ever trickier. #AusvsIre
— Danyal Rasool (@Danny61000) October 31, 2022
Australia captain Aaron Finch led by example with a brilliant 44-ball 63 and was named the @aramco POTM 🏏 pic.twitter.com/UZA6H7sET2
— ICC (@ICC) October 31, 2022
Lorcan Tucker playing England's best knock this World Cup.
— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) October 31, 2022
Lorcan Tucker ran the drinks for Ireland at last year’s T20 World Cup. He’s the top-scorer in this one
— Matt Roller (@mroller98) October 31, 2022
Lorcan Tucker is an absolute star but needed to be ruthless with the strike at the end there. I'm sure he'll reflect on that going forwards #T20WorldCup
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) October 31, 2022
Superb knock from Irish wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker, who finishes unbeaten on 71 (48).
None of his teammates scored more than 14.
Tucker ensures that Australia's net run rate remains below zero at -0.304.#T20WorldCup #AUSvIRE
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) October 31, 2022
Lorcan Tucker becomes the first Ireland player to score a fifty against Australia in men's international cricket.
Now the only full-member without any 50+ knock against another full-member is by Afghanistan against South Africa.#T20WorldCup#AUSvIRE
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) October 31, 2022
