Colombo erupted in cheers as Australia kicked off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 67-run victory over Ireland at the R Premadasa Stadium. Posting a formidable 182 for 6, the Aussies set the tone early, showcasing their batting depth before their bowlers ran riot.
Captain Travis Head’s brief stay ended at 6, but Cameron Green and Josh Inglis steadied the ship with a brisk 49-run stand off 23 balls. Green fell for 21 off 11, laced with six fours and a six, handing the mantle to Matt Renshaw and Inglis. Both notched up 37 runs each—Renshaw with steady accumulation and Inglis blasting seven boundaries in 17 balls.
Marcus Stoinis then unleashed, smashing 45 off 29 with three boundaries, pushing Australia to a challenging total. Ireland’s Mark Adair picked two wickets, but the rest shared the spoils minimally.
Chasing 183, Ireland crumbled to 115 all out in 16.5 overs. They lost five wickets by 43, with Lauren Tucker (24 off 27) and George Dockrell (41 off 29, including two sixes and three fours) offering resistance too late. Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa stole the show, each claiming 4-4 wickets, while Matthew Kuhnemann snared one.
This win catapults Australia to the top of Group B with a net run rate of +3.350, ahead of Zimbabwe (+2.702) and Sri Lanka (+1.000). Australia’s dominance signals their intent in the tournament.