The T20 World Cup opener is rarely simple, but the showdown between Australia and Ireland brings a little more intrigue than usual. The former champions arrive under a cloud after a rough run of results and with their once fearsome pace attack seriously depleted, they still go into this tournament as one of the benchmark sides in world cricket. A strong start here would go a long way to calming the nerves after a shaky build-up.
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T20 World Cup: Australia vs Ireland Preview and betting odds
Colombo, Wednesday 11 February, 8.30pm AEDT
Australia
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
The Australian men’s national cricket team enters the tournament missing much of their traditional bowling firepower. The absences of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood take away one of the most intimidating fast bowling trios of the modern era, and even Nathan Ellis has been plagued by injuries after missing the BBL final. Adam Zampa’s return from a groin injury is timely and crucial, especially with all of Australia’s group matches scheduled in Sri Lanka, where spin is expected to dominate.
In terms of shape it was not beautiful. Australia have not won any of their last five completed matches, including a 0-3 whitewash in Pakistan with a weakened side. That said, the batting still has a serious advantage. Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis give Australia depth, flexibility and strength through the order, while Josh Inglis adds another attacking option against spin. Even with their bowling looking thinner than in previous tournaments, Australia still have enough all-round quality to overwhelm most sides if they gain early momentum.
Ireland
Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.
The Irish national cricket team enters this match knowing they need something close to a perfect performance. They pushed Sri Lanka in their opening match but ultimately went down by 20 runs, highlighting both their competitiveness and the fine margins they need to win at this level. Led by Paul Stirling, the Irish batsman has experience at the top end and solid all-round depth thanks to the likes of Curtis Campher, George Dockrell and Gareth Delany.
What Ireland does have is faith and history. This is their ninth T20 World Cup appearance and they have previously defeated heavyweight nations including England and West Indies on the biggest stage. With a bowling attack featuring Josh Little, Mark Adair and Barry McCarthy, they will look to expose Australia’s early vulnerability and keep up the pressure in the middle overs. Against an Australian side still looking for rhythm, Ireland won’t feel out of place.
Match prediction
Australia’s preparation has been far from ideal, but this still feels like a game they need to master. Their batting depth, experience in major tournaments and adaptability to spin-heavy conditions give them a clear advantage, especially if Zampa and the supporting spinners can squeeze Ireland through the middle overs. Ireland will compete and probably have moments where they threaten, but Australia’s class of 40-plus overs should tell the story. Australia starts its campaign with a win.
Australia wins – no bet
Player Prop
Travis Move to the top of the Australian scorers. The world’s No. 8 ranked T20 batsman has an average of 29.0 in T20 internationals with a strike rate of 157, and if Australia are to make a statement early in the tournament, Head’s ability to attack spin in the powerplay looks crucial.
Main AUS points scorer
$3.80
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