Irish Hopes dismissed as Australia win see-saw match

Ireland’s hopes of a surprise victory against world champions Australia were destroyed as the hosts collapsed to 192 to lose their only One-Day International by 39 runs in Dublin.

Australia, who managed to put 231 on the board owed largely to Tim Paine’s 81, were shocked by Ireland’s initial response that saw them reach 80 in the 11th over before the collapse set in.

Australia’s middle and late order failed miserably as only Paine and Craig White managed a notable contribution to take their team to a respectable total.

In reply, Irish captain William Porterfield and Paul Stirling seemed to be in a hurry as they raced towards the target while Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris struggled.

Porterfield hit five boundaries and a six while Stirling managed seven fours before Harris broke through.

In the space of six runs, two wickets fell as Australia came roaring back into the game. Alex Cusack and Niall O’Brien added 51 for the fourth wicket before Hopes made a mockery of the Irish batting, claiming five wickets for 14 in career-best figures as Ireland lost six wickets for 19 runs to be reduced to 156 for nine.

John Mooney and Boyd Rankin added a stubborn 36 runs for the last wicket to keep the upset hopes alive but Shane Watson claimed the last wicket to end the see-saw match in favour of the Australians.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2010.