Australia make light work of hapless Ireland

Defeat minnows by nine wickets in all-round display of dominance

World champions Australia were in typically ruthless form as they made light work of Ireland’s 199-run target in their one-off game to claim a nine-wicket win in Benoni, South Africa.

Warner, who smashed 48 off just 30 balls, was involved in a 73-run opening partnership with Usman Khawaja.

Khawaja then continued in his merry way and top-scored with a brisk 82 off 77 balls, partnering skipper Steven Smith (59 off 74 balls) in an unbeaten century stand to hand Australia the simplest of wins as they warmed up for their five-match series against South Africa in style.



Ireland were once again unable to play their quota of 50 overs as all five of Australia’s bowlers chipped in with wickets. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa was the star of the show with the ball, claiming 3-37 in his 10 overs, while paceman John Hastings claimed 2-31 in 7.5 overs.

What would be particularly disappointing for Ireland would be the way several batsmen managed to get starts but all of them failed to capitalise on them, with eight batsmen reaching double figures but none of them reaching 40 and only one crossing 30.



They also suffered yet another mini collapse, as they went from 121-2 to 198 all out, losing their last eight wickets for just 77 runs.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 28^th, 2016.

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