Australia resumed their Twenty20 World Cup defense on Monday with a 42-run victory over Ireland at the Gabba in Brisbane. Ireland, chasing Australia's 179-5, were all out for 137 in the 19th over, tying Australia on five points with Group 1 leaders New Zealand, who have a game in hand. England, which plays New Zealand on Tuesday, is third, two points behind Australia, but has a better net run rate, which might be significant in a close group.
Ireland had outside chances of reaching the semi-finals before the match, but they were blown away in the chase by Mitchell Starc's pace and inswing, and subsequently by the scoreboard pressure of their 180-run target. Australia skipper Aaron Finch, who was named man of the match after his 63 runs, admitted that scoring had not been easy.