Australia got their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup defence back on track with a 42-run win over Ireland at the Gabba in Brisbane on Monday.
Ireland, chasing Australia’s 179-5, were all out for 137 in the 19th over to put Australia level on five points with leaders New Zealand, who have a game in hand, at the top of Group 1.
Standings after AUSvIRE
| TEAM | PLAYED | WON | LOST | N/R | NET RR | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZ | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +3.850 | 5 |
| AUS | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | -0.304 | 5 |
| ENG | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | +0.239 | 3 |
| IRE | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | -1.544 | 3 |
| SL | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | -0.890 | 2 |
| AFG | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -0.620 | 2 |
England, who play New Zealand on Tuesday, are third, two points behind Australia but with a superior net run rate, a factor that could become crucial in a tight group.
Ireland, also on three points, had outside hopes of reaching the semi-finals before the match but…
