Cricket Scorecard

...THE CHASE...

The visitors will need a flying start if they are to have a chance of chasing this down. They will give it their all but they will need a special effort. Australia on the other hand, will want early wickets, let me remind you, they need to win big here and they'll be trying to bowl out Ireland for as low as possible. The chase in a bit. Stay tuned.

Mitchell Marsh is up for a chat. He says they have done well. Feels the wicket was a touch on the slower side. Adds he was not able to find his rhythm at the start. On the skipper, he is feeling his hamstring but looks fine to get back to the middle.

Ireland will be disappointed with how they ended! Especially with Mark Adair and Fionn Hand. The latter bowled only the one over but the two went for over 70 in the 5 they bowled. The rest were really good. Especially, Little and Barry McCarthy, both got wickets and were quite economical too. The spinners too bowled tightly but the 5 overs bowled by the above could well be the difference between the two sides.

The hosts struggled in the first 10 overs, run scoring was not easy and they lost two wickets too. Maxwell followed in the 11th over but after that, it was all about Australia and their skipper. He decided to put the foot down and along with Marcus Stoinis, pounded the bowlers all over the park. The two added 70 in no time and when they were batting, 190-plus looked possible but once Finch fell, run-scorng also slowed down but they have still got tot a total which is more than the average here.

We believe that spell from Mark Adair has probably taken the game away from Ireland! Conceding close to 60, on a wicket which is holding a little bit is way too much. Also, that has allowed the Aussies to get to 180 and we feel that is well over par. Australia on the other hand, will be very pleased with the score they have got. It was a struggle for them in the first 10 but the second 10 was excellent.

Mark Adair to Matthew Wade, TWO RUNS TO END! Good last over for the hosts. This is outside off. Wade works it to long off for a couple of runs. AUSTRALIA END WITH 179.

Mark Adair to Matthew Wade, ! Well played in the end. Wade shapes for a paddle scoop and Adair bowls it way outside off. Wade reacts quickly as he opens the face of the bat and hits it past backward point for a boundary. 

Mark Adair to Tim David, Leg bye! A slower length ball on middle. David misses his heave to get hit on the pads. It rolls to point for a leg bye.

Mark Adair to Tim David, ! Much needed! 10 off the first three balls. A length ball, outside ofof. David powers it towards long off for a boundary.

Mark Adair to Tim David, A slower bouncer on middle, this is pulled to deep mid-wicket for two.

Mark Adair to Tim David, ! Not a good delivery to start! A full toss, angling down. David helps it away behind square leg for four runs.

Josh Little to Tim David, Yet another excellent over from Ireland. Three off the last one. Four of this one. Length and outside off, pulled to long on for a single. Superb from Ireland. 

Josh Little to Matthew Wade, A full toss on middle, pushed to long on for one.

Josh Little to Marcus Stoinis, ! TAKEN! On a length and outside off. Stoinis opens his front leg and tries to steer it past backward point but outside edges and George Dockrell there takes a sharp catch. Ireland are dragging it back nicely. Two good overs for them. Australia in need of that final flourish.

Josh Little to Marcus Stoinis, This is full and outside off, angling across. Stoinis swings and misses.

Josh Little to Tim David, Touch fuller and outside off. David stays back and thumps it to deep point. Harry Tector runs forward and tried his best but the ball bounces just in front of him. Good effort. One.

Josh Little to Tim David, Swing and a miss! Very full and outside off. David clears his front leg as he looks to smash but misses.

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, Dropped! that came quickly! George Dockrell follows Stoinis on the leg side with a short ball. Stoinis looks to cut but gets an outside edge to the keeper who follows Stoinis but fails to collect. 

Josh Little to Tim David, Wide! Little starts with a wide as this is way outside off. Left alone.

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, Excellent stuff from Dockrell! gives away just three runs. Good spell from him! This is full and down leg. Stoinis makes room again only to swing in the air. 

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, Slower in the air, flatter and around off. Stoinis makes room only to hit back to the bowler.

George Dockrell to Tim David, Touch short and on middle, David pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, Short and outside off, pulled to deep mid-wicket for one.

George Dockrell to Tim David, Flatter and on middle, flicked to mid-wicket for one.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, A length ball, outside off. Finch punches on the up and just over extra-cover. The sweeper cover fielder cuts it off. Finch hobbles as he runs two.

Barry McCarthy to Tim David, Short and outside off, David pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one. What a spell from Barry McCarthy, he ends with three wickets and on the economical side as well.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, ! TAKEN! Aaron Finch has done his job! What an innings from the skipper! He should have hit this out through. A full toss, outside off. Finch steps across and heaves but not off the middle. Mark Adair doesn't move an inch at long on as he takes the catch.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, ! The runs are coming easily now and Aaron is targeting 190. Very full and outside off, this is hit to long on. No chance for the fielder.

Barry McCarthy to Marcus Stoinis, A slower short ball, outside off. Stoinis smacks it to long off for a single.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, ! This one is thumped down the ground! What a shot by the keeper! Floated full and on middle. Finch launches it straight down for a biggie.

Barry McCarthy to Marcus Stoinis, Full and way outside off. Stoinis dabs it to third man for easy two..

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, This is way down the leg side. Finch switch-hits as he looks to cut but misses.

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, Tossed up on middle. Stoinis backs away as he drives it through covers for one.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, Angling on the pads, this is flicked to square leg for one.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, ! Over the fence. A gift for Finch to get to his fifty and Australia are now in overdrive. A full toss on middle, this is smoked over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Massive, massive over. Two in a row and Australia are running away with the game now.

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, A single as this is hit to long on.

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, Flatter and on leg. Stoinis makes room and lofts it in the air and to deep cover. George Dockrell runs forward and dives but the ball slips off his hands. Good effort though. Two runs. 

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, WIDE! Another one very wide outside off, almost off the wicket. Finch lets it be. Wided.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, ! This is turning out to be a very, very long and expensive over. Adair goes short and on the body, this is pulled past short fine leg and this one races away into the fence.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, WIDE! Well wide outside off again. Not played at.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, ANOTHER WIDE! This is short again and down the leg side this time. Wided.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, WIDE! This is short and well outside off, Finch lets it be. Adair is under pressure here.

Mark Adair to Marcus Stoinis, That is crunched but does not find the gap! Fuller and outside off, Stoinis creams it through covers for one.

Mark Adair to Marcus Stoinis, ! That is brilliant batting, just brilliant! He knows Adair will go well outside off and Stoinis just moves across, this is short and outside off. It is pulled over the square leg fielder for another boundary.

Mark Adair to Marcus Stoinis, That is outstanding, just outstanding from Barry McCarthy! He has been brilliant with the ball and now contributes in the field too. Saves four runs for his side. This is fuller and on off, Marcus Stoinis lifts it high up in the air, it seems to be carrying over long on but Barry McCarthy leaps, catches it and just as he is going to fall over the ropes, throws it back in.

Mark Adair to Marcus Stoinis, WIDE! Goes wide outside off but too wide. Wided.

Mark Adair to Marcus Stoinis, ! Hammered down the ground. That is put away with disdain. Fuller and on off, this is thumped down to the long off fence.

Gareth Delany to Aaron Finch, Two more! That is a switch-hit from Finch! Delany bowls it down the leg side, Finch drags it wide of long off for two. That is just the kind of over Australia needed and they will this gets them going. 16 from it.

Gareth Delany to Aaron Finch, Finch makes room and Delany tries to follow him. He ends up bowling it down the leg side. Wided.

Gareth Delany to Marcus Stoinis, Just the one this time! On off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Gareth Delany to Marcus Stoinis, ! Sails over the fence! That is all power again. Fuller and in the slot. Stoinis lofts it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Gareth Delany to Marcus Stoinis, Easy two! Slightly shorter and on the pads, this is whipped wide of long on for two.

Gareth Delany to Marcus Stoinis, ! That has been hit with a lot of power. It did not seem like that, it looked like a mere push but it raced away. Fuller and on off, Stoinis hits it past the bowler who does not stop it and it races away to the long off fence.

Gareth Delany to Marcus Stoinis, Another dot! A full toss on off, this is hit back to the bowler.

Barry McCarthy to Marcus Stoinis, Just the one! Bowling to his field! Shorter and outside off, this is cut towards deep point for one.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, Just the one again! Fails to fine the gap! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled hard towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Barry McCarthy to Marcus Stoinis, Tip and run! On off, Marcus Stoinis plays it towards point and gets to the other end.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, Finch swings really hard but only one! Fuller and outside off, Finch drags it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, The idea was right but it did not come off! Shorter and outside off, Finch looks to play the upper cut, over short third man but does not connect.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, WIDE GIVEN! Finch takes a step across, Barry McCarthy goes wider outside off, Finch slashes but misses.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, This one zips through! Shorter and outside off, this one takes off after landing. Finch looks to cut but misses.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, Closes the over out well. Just the three from it. On off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, Another dot! On off, Finch pushes it to covers.

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, Gives it air and lands it on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, Mark Adair misses out! This is very short and around off, Stoinis looks to hit it hard through the off side but this comes slow off the surface and hence, he ends up chopping it on the off side.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, Angled into the pads, Finch works it through square leg for one.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, This is pushed through and on the pads, Finch looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads.

Josh Little to Marcus Stoinis, Really good stuff from Josh Little! Length again on middle, Marcus Stoinis defends it back towards the bowler.

Marcus Stoinis is the new man in.

Josh Little to Glenn Maxwell, ! EDGED AND TAKEN! Glenn Maxwell's poor form continues! Yet again a bowling change works wonders for Ireland. They got on Barry McCarthy earlier on, he got the wicket and now Josh Little gets the breakthrough. This is very full and very wide outside off. Maxwell goes after it, it flies off the outside edge and it is taken by the keeper. Ireland not letting the Aussies run away with the game. Fighting back everytime they are on the back foot.

Josh Little to Glenn Maxwell, WIDE! Goes short but this is way too short. Maxwell evades. Wided.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, Goes short now and around off, Finch drags it through mid-wicket for one.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, ! That is beautiful placement! Just brilliant! Fuller and on off, Finch strokes it through covers and this one races away to the fence.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, A short and slower delivery, that grips in the surface and hence, Finch who probably looked to slap it through covers ends up hitting it towards mid off as he is early in the shot.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, Good length and around off, Finch guides it to point. He is disappointed he did not get it past the fielder there. With third man in, it would have been a boundary.

Drinks! Australia are in a good position as they look for a score around 170. They bat deep and could well possibly end with that score, the pitch is good to bat on as well. Ireland will look to keep things tight and wickets at regular intervals. 

Gareth Delany to Glenn Maxwell, ! BANG! Why try all those innovative shots when you can hit so clean down the ground and Maxwell does exactly that. He makes room. This is full and on middle, it is thumped down the ground and over the long on fence. The last ball spoils the over and this should make Maxwell feel good.

Gareth Delany to Aaron Finch, On the pads, Finch looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye.

Gareth Delany to Glenn Maxwell, Bonus runs! Down the leg side again, Maxwell looks to pull again but misses. The keeper fails to take it cleanly and a run is taken.

Gareth Delany to Glenn Maxwell, Delany gets away with one! Maxwell is disappointed he did not put that away! Well down the leg side. Maxwell pulls it hard but straight to the short fine leg fielder. A little to the left or the right and it would have been a boundary.

Gareth Delany to Glenn Maxwell, IRELAND REVIEW NOW! A huge appeal for an LBW is turned down. Looks to be pitching outside leg. NOT ! It indeed is and Ireland lose a review. A really good review by Maxwell is followed by a poor one by Ireland. That never looked out. This is around leg, really full, Gareth Delany pushes it through as he sees Maxwell shape up for the reverse. Maxwell still goes for it but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Gareth Delany to Glenn Maxwell, A LOUD APPEAL FOR LBW AND GIVEN! Maxwell reviews straight away and says he has hit it. NOT ! Ultra Edge shows a spike and that is why Maxwell reviewed. Shorter and on the pad, Maxwell looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the pads. He survives.

Gareth Delany to Aaron Finch, Two is the call but only one! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, A single to end a successful over for Barry McCarthy! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one.

Barry McCarthy to Glenn Maxwell, Outside off, Maxwell guides it down to third man for one.

Barry McCarthy to Glenn Maxwell, Top edge but this lands safe! Shorter and on middle, Glenn Maxwell looks to pull, the ball gets big on him, it goes off the splice and lands in the mid-wicket region for two.

Barry McCarthy to Glenn Maxwell, Two again! Fuller and on off, Maxwell yet again pushes it past cover, wide of the sweeper for two more.

Barry McCarthy to Glenn Maxwell, Nice way for Maxwell to get off the mark! On off, fuller, this is pushed past the fielder at cover and two is taken.

Glenn Maxwell comes in.

Barry McCarthy to Mitchell Marsh, ! EDGED AND TAKEN! Timely wicket as this partnership had started to flourish. Excellent bowling change too and Barry McCarthy gets his second. Yet again, not the best of balls from him but he manages to break the stand. It is short and wide outside off, making Marsh hit to the longer side of the ground. This goes off the outside edge and it is taken by the keeper.

George Dockrell to Mitchell Marsh, A single to end! 7 from Dockrell's over! On the pads, this is clipped through mid-wicket for one.

George Dockrell to Mitchell Marsh, Two more! Gentle touch! On middle, this is worked through square leg. The weight on the shot is perfect and two is taken.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, Another single! Fires this one into the pads, it is clipped through square leg for one.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, Fires it on the pads, Finch works it to short fine leg.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, Easy two! Floats it up outside off, Finch lofts it down towards long off. Two taken.

Fionn Hand to Mitchell Marsh, ! Right in the arc again and it sails over the fence. Second in the over. A slower one but fuller and on middle, Marsh winds up and sends it sailing over the mid-wicket fence.

George Dockrell to Mitchell Marsh, Flatter and on middle, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Fionn Hand to Mitchell Marsh, A single to end but that is a massive over! A momentum shifting over. On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Fionn Hand to Mitchell Marsh, WIDE! Way too short and well wide down the leg side. Wided.

Fionn Hand to Mitchell Marsh, A good comeback! A slower one outside off, Marsh looks to pull but misses it as it stays low.

Fionn Hand to Mitchell Marsh, ! That is a massive hit, 102 meters. Colossal! Angled into the pads. Marsh shuffles across and heaves it over the mid-wicket fence for a huge hit.

Fionn Hand to Mitchell Marsh, Another dot! Angled into the pads, Marsh swings hard but misses to get hit on the pads.

Fionn Hand to Aaron Finch, A yorker to begin with on middle, this is jammed down to long on for one.

Gareth Delany to Mitchell Marsh, That is brilliant from Gareth Delany! Five dots after a boundary on the first ball. A really good start for Ireland as Australia are 38 for 1 after 6. On middle, Marsh defends. Half an appeal as the bowler thought it hit the pad first but that was not the case.

Gareth Delany to Mitchell Marsh, On middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

Gareth Delany to Mitchell Marsh, Another dot! Flatter and on middle, Marsh defends it back to the bowler.

Gareth Delany to Mitchell Marsh, Plays that well but the gap is not found. On middle, Marsh sweeps but to square leg.

Gareth Delany to Mitchell Marsh, Flatter and on middle, this is defended.

Gareth Delany to Mitchell Marsh, ! Thumped down the ground! That is a strong shot! Fuller and on off, this is powered uppishly but past mid off and into the fence. Runs flowing now.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, ! Beautifully played! This is very full and outside off. Finch steps across and lofts it over mid off and the ball races into the fence. Really well played by the skipper.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, Wide! This is way outside off. Finch leaves it alone.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, A length ball, way outside off. Finch swings and misses.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, ! That came from the meat of the bat! First of the innings and the skipper is now looking in good touch! Adair pitches it up and on middle. Finch swings hard across and thumps it over cow corner for a biggie. 

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, Short in length and outside off. Finch cuts it to sweeper cover for a couple fo runs. 

Mark Adair to Mitchell Marsh, On middle, Marsh works it behind square leg for a single.

Mark Adair to Mitchell Marsh, That was close but looks like just going down! A length ball, angling around leg. Marsh looks to heave but misses and gets hit on the pads. Yes, that was going down the leg side.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, Hits nicely again but finds the fielder! Around off, this is punched to cover.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, ! That will give Finch a good amount of confidence! A length ball, outside off. Finch punches off the back foot and through covers for a boundary. 

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, This is short, not too short as Finch ducks under it. He gets hit on the back and it lobs to the keeper. Aaron Finch is still finding his rhythm. 

Josh Little to Mitchell Marsh, Outside off. Marsh knocks it to point, a misfield and the batters cross.

Josh Little to Mitchell Marsh, On a length and on off. Marsh keeps it out.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, Finch gave up there! A direct-hit was needed! Length ball, outside off. Finch hits it to cover, hits it straight to the fielder. George Dockrell has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Aaron Finch is a bit slow in the middle of the pitch.

Barry McCarthy to Mitchell Marsh, Length ball, outside off. Marsh leaves it alone. Australia have been watchful with the start. 

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, A length ball, outside off. Finch punches off the back foot through point for one more.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, On a length and on middle. Finch rolls his wrists and hits it to short fine leg.

Barry McCarthy to Mitchell Marsh, Barry McCarthy goes full and on middle, this is flicked through mid-wicket for one.

Barry McCarthy to Mitchell Marsh, ! What a start! Short and on middle. Marsh pulls it hard and to deep square leg for a boundary. 

Barry McCarthy to David Warner, ! TAKEN! Straight to the man! Warner cannot believe it! Warner falls into the trap here! Short in length and around leg. David Warner pulls with soft hands as he just tries to guide it down but hits it uppishly and Mark Adair at short fine leg takes it. Superb start from Ireland. The struggle continues for David Warner. 

Barry McCarthy to bowl now.

Mark Adair to David Warner, A juicy full toss, outside off. Warner punches it to the right of cover. Good stop there. Only a single. 

Mark Adair to David Warner, On a length and around off. Warner prods and blocks it out.

Mark Adair to David Warner, Short of a length and outside off. Warner leaves it alone.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, On a length and on middle. Finch tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, Swing for the first time! This is full and outside off, this one swings away. Finch uses his feet as he tries to work on the leg side but misses.

Mark Adair to David Warner, On a length and just outside off. Warner plays it late past backward point for a single.

Mark Adair to bowl from the other end.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, Angles it across, outside off. Finch lets it go. 

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, Touch short and outside off. Finch pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second with ease. 

Josh Little to David Warner, Little starts with a short ball down the leg side. Warner misses his pull. Not given as a wide, might have brushed the pads on the way.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, This is full and outside, it is pushed to cover.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, Two runs! Finch is underway as well. On a length and outside off, no movement seen and Finch pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Josh Little to David Warner, QUICK SINGLE! Australia are underway! On a length and outside off. Warner drops it to point and takes off for a quick single. 

It's time for action. David Warner and Aaron Finch walk out to open for the defending champions. Josh Little to start for Ireland. A slip in place. Here we go...

The players walk out to the middle as they line up for the national anthems. It is Ireland's first followed by Australia's.

IRELAND (Unchanged Playing XI) - Paul Stirling, Andy Balbirnie (C), Lorcan Tucker (WK), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Fionn Hand, Josh Little.

AUSTRALIA (Playing XI) - David Warner, Aaron Finch (C), Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa (In for Ashton Agar).

Aaron Finch, the skipper of Australia says they would have bowled first and feels the pitch won't change much. Reckons they haven't talked about the net run rate yet as they are focused to do the basics right. Informs there is one change as Zampa comes in for Ashton Agar. On the change, he says they have considered all the factors and is confident with the team.

Andy Balbirnie, the captain of Ireland says it is a big game and they would like to bowl first. Adds there is excitement and they are looking forward to the challenge. Informs they are playing the same team.

TOSS -  Ireland have won the toss and will BOWL first!

...THE CHASE...

The visitors will need a flying start if they are to have a chance of chasing this down. They will give it their all but they will need a special effort. Australia on the other hand, will want early wickets, let me remind you, they need to win big here and they'll be trying to bowl out Ireland for as low as possible. The chase in a bit. Stay tuned.

Mitchell Marsh is up for a chat. He says they have done well. Feels the wicket was a touch on the slower side. Adds he was not able to find his rhythm at the start. On the skipper, he is feeling his hamstring but looks fine to get back to the middle.

Ireland will be disappointed with how they ended! Especially with Mark Adair and Fionn Hand. The latter bowled only the one over but the two went for over 70 in the 5 they bowled. The rest were really good. Especially, Little and Barry McCarthy, both got wickets and were quite economical too. The spinners too bowled tightly but the 5 overs bowled by the above could well be the difference between the two sides.

The hosts struggled in the first 10 overs, run scoring was not easy and they lost two wickets too. Maxwell followed in the 11th over but after that, it was all about Australia and their skipper. He decided to put the foot down and along with Marcus Stoinis, pounded the bowlers all over the park. The two added 70 in no time and when they were batting, 190-plus looked possible but once Finch fell, run-scorng also slowed down but they have still got tot a total which is more than the average here.

We believe that spell from Mark Adair has probably taken the game away from Ireland! Conceding close to 60, on a wicket which is holding a little bit is way too much. Also, that has allowed the Aussies to get to 180 and we feel that is well over par. Australia on the other hand, will be very pleased with the score they have got. It was a struggle for them in the first 10 but the second 10 was excellent.

Mark Adair to Matthew Wade, TWO RUNS TO END! Good last over for the hosts. This is outside off. Wade works it to long off for a couple of runs. AUSTRALIA END WITH 179.

Mark Adair to Matthew Wade, ! Well played in the end. Wade shapes for a paddle scoop and Adair bowls it way outside off. Wade reacts quickly as he opens the face of the bat and hits it past backward point for a boundary. 

Mark Adair to Tim David, Leg bye! A slower length ball on middle. David misses his heave to get hit on the pads. It rolls to point for a leg bye.

Mark Adair to Tim David, ! Much needed! 10 off the first three balls. A length ball, outside ofof. David powers it towards long off for a boundary.

Mark Adair to Tim David, A slower bouncer on middle, this is pulled to deep mid-wicket for two.

Mark Adair to Tim David, ! Not a good delivery to start! A full toss, angling down. David helps it away behind square leg for four runs.

Josh Little to Tim David, Yet another excellent over from Ireland. Three off the last one. Four of this one. Length and outside off, pulled to long on for a single. Superb from Ireland. 

Josh Little to Matthew Wade, A full toss on middle, pushed to long on for one.

Josh Little to Marcus Stoinis, ! TAKEN! On a length and outside off. Stoinis opens his front leg and tries to steer it past backward point but outside edges and George Dockrell there takes a sharp catch. Ireland are dragging it back nicely. Two good overs for them. Australia in need of that final flourish.

Josh Little to Marcus Stoinis, This is full and outside off, angling across. Stoinis swings and misses.

Josh Little to Tim David, Touch fuller and outside off. David stays back and thumps it to deep point. Harry Tector runs forward and tried his best but the ball bounces just in front of him. Good effort. One.

Josh Little to Tim David, Swing and a miss! Very full and outside off. David clears his front leg as he looks to smash but misses.

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, Dropped! that came quickly! George Dockrell follows Stoinis on the leg side with a short ball. Stoinis looks to cut but gets an outside edge to the keeper who follows Stoinis but fails to collect. 

Josh Little to Tim David, Wide! Little starts with a wide as this is way outside off. Left alone.

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, Excellent stuff from Dockrell! gives away just three runs. Good spell from him! This is full and down leg. Stoinis makes room again only to swing in the air. 

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, Slower in the air, flatter and around off. Stoinis makes room only to hit back to the bowler.

George Dockrell to Tim David, Touch short and on middle, David pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, Short and outside off, pulled to deep mid-wicket for one.

George Dockrell to Tim David, Flatter and on middle, flicked to mid-wicket for one.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, A length ball, outside off. Finch punches on the up and just over extra-cover. The sweeper cover fielder cuts it off. Finch hobbles as he runs two.

Barry McCarthy to Tim David, Short and outside off, David pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one. What a spell from Barry McCarthy, he ends with three wickets and on the economical side as well.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, ! TAKEN! Aaron Finch has done his job! What an innings from the skipper! He should have hit this out through. A full toss, outside off. Finch steps across and heaves but not off the middle. Mark Adair doesn't move an inch at long on as he takes the catch.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, ! The runs are coming easily now and Aaron is targeting 190. Very full and outside off, this is hit to long on. No chance for the fielder.

Barry McCarthy to Marcus Stoinis, A slower short ball, outside off. Stoinis smacks it to long off for a single.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, ! This one is thumped down the ground! What a shot by the keeper! Floated full and on middle. Finch launches it straight down for a biggie.

Barry McCarthy to Marcus Stoinis, Full and way outside off. Stoinis dabs it to third man for easy two..

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, This is way down the leg side. Finch switch-hits as he looks to cut but misses.

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, Tossed up on middle. Stoinis backs away as he drives it through covers for one.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, Angling on the pads, this is flicked to square leg for one.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, ! Over the fence. A gift for Finch to get to his fifty and Australia are now in overdrive. A full toss on middle, this is smoked over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Massive, massive over. Two in a row and Australia are running away with the game now.

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, A single as this is hit to long on.

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, Flatter and on leg. Stoinis makes room and lofts it in the air and to deep cover. George Dockrell runs forward and dives but the ball slips off his hands. Good effort though. Two runs. 

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, WIDE! Another one very wide outside off, almost off the wicket. Finch lets it be. Wided.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, ! This is turning out to be a very, very long and expensive over. Adair goes short and on the body, this is pulled past short fine leg and this one races away into the fence.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, WIDE! Well wide outside off again. Not played at.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, ANOTHER WIDE! This is short again and down the leg side this time. Wided.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, WIDE! This is short and well outside off, Finch lets it be. Adair is under pressure here.

Mark Adair to Marcus Stoinis, That is crunched but does not find the gap! Fuller and outside off, Stoinis creams it through covers for one.

Mark Adair to Marcus Stoinis, ! That is brilliant batting, just brilliant! He knows Adair will go well outside off and Stoinis just moves across, this is short and outside off. It is pulled over the square leg fielder for another boundary.

Mark Adair to Marcus Stoinis, That is outstanding, just outstanding from Barry McCarthy! He has been brilliant with the ball and now contributes in the field too. Saves four runs for his side. This is fuller and on off, Marcus Stoinis lifts it high up in the air, it seems to be carrying over long on but Barry McCarthy leaps, catches it and just as he is going to fall over the ropes, throws it back in.

Mark Adair to Marcus Stoinis, WIDE! Goes wide outside off but too wide. Wided.

Mark Adair to Marcus Stoinis, ! Hammered down the ground. That is put away with disdain. Fuller and on off, this is thumped down to the long off fence.

Gareth Delany to Aaron Finch, Two more! That is a switch-hit from Finch! Delany bowls it down the leg side, Finch drags it wide of long off for two. That is just the kind of over Australia needed and they will this gets them going. 16 from it.

Gareth Delany to Aaron Finch, Finch makes room and Delany tries to follow him. He ends up bowling it down the leg side. Wided.

Gareth Delany to Marcus Stoinis, Just the one this time! On off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Gareth Delany to Marcus Stoinis, ! Sails over the fence! That is all power again. Fuller and in the slot. Stoinis lofts it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Gareth Delany to Marcus Stoinis, Easy two! Slightly shorter and on the pads, this is whipped wide of long on for two.

Gareth Delany to Marcus Stoinis, ! That has been hit with a lot of power. It did not seem like that, it looked like a mere push but it raced away. Fuller and on off, Stoinis hits it past the bowler who does not stop it and it races away to the long off fence.

Gareth Delany to Marcus Stoinis, Another dot! A full toss on off, this is hit back to the bowler.

Barry McCarthy to Marcus Stoinis, Just the one! Bowling to his field! Shorter and outside off, this is cut towards deep point for one.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, Just the one again! Fails to fine the gap! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled hard towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Barry McCarthy to Marcus Stoinis, Tip and run! On off, Marcus Stoinis plays it towards point and gets to the other end.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, Finch swings really hard but only one! Fuller and outside off, Finch drags it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, The idea was right but it did not come off! Shorter and outside off, Finch looks to play the upper cut, over short third man but does not connect.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, WIDE GIVEN! Finch takes a step across, Barry McCarthy goes wider outside off, Finch slashes but misses.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, This one zips through! Shorter and outside off, this one takes off after landing. Finch looks to cut but misses.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, Closes the over out well. Just the three from it. On off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, Another dot! On off, Finch pushes it to covers.

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, Gives it air and lands it on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

George Dockrell to Marcus Stoinis, Mark Adair misses out! This is very short and around off, Stoinis looks to hit it hard through the off side but this comes slow off the surface and hence, he ends up chopping it on the off side.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, Angled into the pads, Finch works it through square leg for one.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, This is pushed through and on the pads, Finch looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads.

Josh Little to Marcus Stoinis, Really good stuff from Josh Little! Length again on middle, Marcus Stoinis defends it back towards the bowler.

Marcus Stoinis is the new man in.

Josh Little to Glenn Maxwell, ! EDGED AND TAKEN! Glenn Maxwell's poor form continues! Yet again a bowling change works wonders for Ireland. They got on Barry McCarthy earlier on, he got the wicket and now Josh Little gets the breakthrough. This is very full and very wide outside off. Maxwell goes after it, it flies off the outside edge and it is taken by the keeper. Ireland not letting the Aussies run away with the game. Fighting back everytime they are on the back foot.

Josh Little to Glenn Maxwell, WIDE! Goes short but this is way too short. Maxwell evades. Wided.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, Goes short now and around off, Finch drags it through mid-wicket for one.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, ! That is beautiful placement! Just brilliant! Fuller and on off, Finch strokes it through covers and this one races away to the fence.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, A short and slower delivery, that grips in the surface and hence, Finch who probably looked to slap it through covers ends up hitting it towards mid off as he is early in the shot.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, Good length and around off, Finch guides it to point. He is disappointed he did not get it past the fielder there. With third man in, it would have been a boundary.

Drinks! Australia are in a good position as they look for a score around 170. They bat deep and could well possibly end with that score, the pitch is good to bat on as well. Ireland will look to keep things tight and wickets at regular intervals. 

Gareth Delany to Glenn Maxwell, ! BANG! Why try all those innovative shots when you can hit so clean down the ground and Maxwell does exactly that. He makes room. This is full and on middle, it is thumped down the ground and over the long on fence. The last ball spoils the over and this should make Maxwell feel good.

Gareth Delany to Aaron Finch, On the pads, Finch looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye.

Gareth Delany to Glenn Maxwell, Bonus runs! Down the leg side again, Maxwell looks to pull again but misses. The keeper fails to take it cleanly and a run is taken.

Gareth Delany to Glenn Maxwell, Delany gets away with one! Maxwell is disappointed he did not put that away! Well down the leg side. Maxwell pulls it hard but straight to the short fine leg fielder. A little to the left or the right and it would have been a boundary.

Gareth Delany to Glenn Maxwell, IRELAND REVIEW NOW! A huge appeal for an LBW is turned down. Looks to be pitching outside leg. NOT ! It indeed is and Ireland lose a review. A really good review by Maxwell is followed by a poor one by Ireland. That never looked out. This is around leg, really full, Gareth Delany pushes it through as he sees Maxwell shape up for the reverse. Maxwell still goes for it but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Gareth Delany to Glenn Maxwell, A LOUD APPEAL FOR LBW AND GIVEN! Maxwell reviews straight away and says he has hit it. NOT ! Ultra Edge shows a spike and that is why Maxwell reviewed. Shorter and on the pad, Maxwell looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the pads. He survives.

Gareth Delany to Aaron Finch, Two is the call but only one! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, A single to end a successful over for Barry McCarthy! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one.

Barry McCarthy to Glenn Maxwell, Outside off, Maxwell guides it down to third man for one.

Barry McCarthy to Glenn Maxwell, Top edge but this lands safe! Shorter and on middle, Glenn Maxwell looks to pull, the ball gets big on him, it goes off the splice and lands in the mid-wicket region for two.

Barry McCarthy to Glenn Maxwell, Two again! Fuller and on off, Maxwell yet again pushes it past cover, wide of the sweeper for two more.

Barry McCarthy to Glenn Maxwell, Nice way for Maxwell to get off the mark! On off, fuller, this is pushed past the fielder at cover and two is taken.

Glenn Maxwell comes in.

Barry McCarthy to Mitchell Marsh, ! EDGED AND TAKEN! Timely wicket as this partnership had started to flourish. Excellent bowling change too and Barry McCarthy gets his second. Yet again, not the best of balls from him but he manages to break the stand. It is short and wide outside off, making Marsh hit to the longer side of the ground. This goes off the outside edge and it is taken by the keeper.

George Dockrell to Mitchell Marsh, A single to end! 7 from Dockrell's over! On the pads, this is clipped through mid-wicket for one.

George Dockrell to Mitchell Marsh, Two more! Gentle touch! On middle, this is worked through square leg. The weight on the shot is perfect and two is taken.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, Another single! Fires this one into the pads, it is clipped through square leg for one.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, Fires it on the pads, Finch works it to short fine leg.

George Dockrell to Aaron Finch, Easy two! Floats it up outside off, Finch lofts it down towards long off. Two taken.

Fionn Hand to Mitchell Marsh, ! Right in the arc again and it sails over the fence. Second in the over. A slower one but fuller and on middle, Marsh winds up and sends it sailing over the mid-wicket fence.

George Dockrell to Mitchell Marsh, Flatter and on middle, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Fionn Hand to Mitchell Marsh, A single to end but that is a massive over! A momentum shifting over. On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Fionn Hand to Mitchell Marsh, WIDE! Way too short and well wide down the leg side. Wided.

Fionn Hand to Mitchell Marsh, A good comeback! A slower one outside off, Marsh looks to pull but misses it as it stays low.

Fionn Hand to Mitchell Marsh, ! That is a massive hit, 102 meters. Colossal! Angled into the pads. Marsh shuffles across and heaves it over the mid-wicket fence for a huge hit.

Fionn Hand to Mitchell Marsh, Another dot! Angled into the pads, Marsh swings hard but misses to get hit on the pads.

Fionn Hand to Aaron Finch, A yorker to begin with on middle, this is jammed down to long on for one.

Gareth Delany to Mitchell Marsh, That is brilliant from Gareth Delany! Five dots after a boundary on the first ball. A really good start for Ireland as Australia are 38 for 1 after 6. On middle, Marsh defends. Half an appeal as the bowler thought it hit the pad first but that was not the case.

Gareth Delany to Mitchell Marsh, On middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

Gareth Delany to Mitchell Marsh, Another dot! Flatter and on middle, Marsh defends it back to the bowler.

Gareth Delany to Mitchell Marsh, Plays that well but the gap is not found. On middle, Marsh sweeps but to square leg.

Gareth Delany to Mitchell Marsh, Flatter and on middle, this is defended.

Gareth Delany to Mitchell Marsh, ! Thumped down the ground! That is a strong shot! Fuller and on off, this is powered uppishly but past mid off and into the fence. Runs flowing now.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, ! Beautifully played! This is very full and outside off. Finch steps across and lofts it over mid off and the ball races into the fence. Really well played by the skipper.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, Wide! This is way outside off. Finch leaves it alone.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, A length ball, way outside off. Finch swings and misses.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, ! That came from the meat of the bat! First of the innings and the skipper is now looking in good touch! Adair pitches it up and on middle. Finch swings hard across and thumps it over cow corner for a biggie. 

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, Short in length and outside off. Finch cuts it to sweeper cover for a couple fo runs. 

Mark Adair to Mitchell Marsh, On middle, Marsh works it behind square leg for a single.

Mark Adair to Mitchell Marsh, That was close but looks like just going down! A length ball, angling around leg. Marsh looks to heave but misses and gets hit on the pads. Yes, that was going down the leg side.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, Hits nicely again but finds the fielder! Around off, this is punched to cover.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, ! That will give Finch a good amount of confidence! A length ball, outside off. Finch punches off the back foot and through covers for a boundary. 

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, This is short, not too short as Finch ducks under it. He gets hit on the back and it lobs to the keeper. Aaron Finch is still finding his rhythm. 

Josh Little to Mitchell Marsh, Outside off. Marsh knocks it to point, a misfield and the batters cross.

Josh Little to Mitchell Marsh, On a length and on off. Marsh keeps it out.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, Finch gave up there! A direct-hit was needed! Length ball, outside off. Finch hits it to cover, hits it straight to the fielder. George Dockrell has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Aaron Finch is a bit slow in the middle of the pitch.

Barry McCarthy to Mitchell Marsh, Length ball, outside off. Marsh leaves it alone. Australia have been watchful with the start. 

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, A length ball, outside off. Finch punches off the back foot through point for one more.

Barry McCarthy to Aaron Finch, On a length and on middle. Finch rolls his wrists and hits it to short fine leg.

Barry McCarthy to Mitchell Marsh, Barry McCarthy goes full and on middle, this is flicked through mid-wicket for one.

Barry McCarthy to Mitchell Marsh, ! What a start! Short and on middle. Marsh pulls it hard and to deep square leg for a boundary. 

Barry McCarthy to David Warner, ! TAKEN! Straight to the man! Warner cannot believe it! Warner falls into the trap here! Short in length and around leg. David Warner pulls with soft hands as he just tries to guide it down but hits it uppishly and Mark Adair at short fine leg takes it. Superb start from Ireland. The struggle continues for David Warner. 

Barry McCarthy to bowl now.

Mark Adair to David Warner, A juicy full toss, outside off. Warner punches it to the right of cover. Good stop there. Only a single. 

Mark Adair to David Warner, On a length and around off. Warner prods and blocks it out.

Mark Adair to David Warner, Short of a length and outside off. Warner leaves it alone.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, On a length and on middle. Finch tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Mark Adair to Aaron Finch, Swing for the first time! This is full and outside off, this one swings away. Finch uses his feet as he tries to work on the leg side but misses.

Mark Adair to David Warner, On a length and just outside off. Warner plays it late past backward point for a single.

Mark Adair to bowl from the other end.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, Angles it across, outside off. Finch lets it go. 

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, Touch short and outside off. Finch pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second with ease. 

Josh Little to David Warner, Little starts with a short ball down the leg side. Warner misses his pull. Not given as a wide, might have brushed the pads on the way.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, This is full and outside, it is pushed to cover.

Josh Little to Aaron Finch, Two runs! Finch is underway as well. On a length and outside off, no movement seen and Finch pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Josh Little to David Warner, QUICK SINGLE! Australia are underway! On a length and outside off. Warner drops it to point and takes off for a quick single. 

It's time for action. David Warner and Aaron Finch walk out to open for the defending champions. Josh Little to start for Ireland. A slip in place. Here we go...

The players walk out to the middle as they line up for the national anthems. It is Ireland's first followed by Australia's.

IRELAND (Unchanged Playing XI) - Paul Stirling, Andy Balbirnie (C), Lorcan Tucker (WK), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Fionn Hand, Josh Little.

AUSTRALIA (Playing XI) - David Warner, Aaron Finch (C), Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa (In for Ashton Agar).

Aaron Finch, the skipper of Australia says they would have bowled first and feels the pitch won't change much. Reckons they haven't talked about the net run rate yet as they are focused to do the basics right. Informs there is one change as Zampa comes in for Ashton Agar. On the change, he says they have considered all the factors and is confident with the team.

Andy Balbirnie, the captain of Ireland says it is a big game and they would like to bowl first. Adds there is excitement and they are looking forward to the challenge. Informs they are playing the same team.

TOSS -  Ireland have won the toss and will BOWL first!