Australia cruise past Ireland at World Cup after skipper Marsh ruled out

Australia’s captain Travis Head celebrates with teammates after their win over Ireland at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday. A depletedAustraliashrugged off the loss of their captain Mitchell Marsh to injury to cruise to a dominant 67-run openingT20 World Cupwin over Ireland in Colombo on Wednesday. Australia made 182-6 after stand-in captain Travis Head won the toss and elected to bat and then bowled Ireland out for 115 at the R.

Premadasa stadium. Nathan Ellis, who had been nursing a hamstring injury in the run-up to the tournament, bowled brilliantly to take 4-12 while spinner Adam Zampa took 4-23 as Ireland were dismissed in 16.5 overs. Ellis’s unusual action and clever change of pace made up for the absence of pace spearheads Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood who have both missed the tournament through injury.

“Obviously not having guys like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood is a big blow for us,” player of the match Ellis told reporters. “I don’t like to be called the leader of the attack. “I am just happy being out here playing a World Cup and representing Australia.

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Glad we started off the competition well and looking forward to a good tournament.” Ellis ripped through Ireland’s top order with two wickets in his first over and they were soon 27-4. A 46-run sixth wicket stand between Lorcan Tucker and George Dockrell offered some resistance but they were never in the hunt in the face of some disciplined bowling. Dockerell scored 41 off 29 balls before being stumped off Zampa.

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