Agencies/Belfast
Australia beat Ireland by 23 runs according to the Duckworth/Lewis method in their one-off one-day international match in Belfast yesterday.
A third-wicket stand of 86 between Ed Joyce (44) and Niall O’Brien (45) put the hosts back on track after losing two quick wickets, chasing a revised total of 185 in 24 overs.
The visitors kept nipping out wickets, to eventually dismiss Ireland for 157 with two balls remaining. Nathan Coulter-Nile was the pick of the attack taking 3-13 in 4.4 overs.
Earlier, Australia openers David Warner (84) and Joe Burns (69) both made runs in a total before Ireland fought back to hold the world champions to 222 for six in 40.2 overs.
Rain brought Australia’s innings to a premature close in what was their first match at this level since beating New Zealand in the World Cup final in March.
The match promised to be an even contest after a superb comeback by the leading non-test nation who were forced to go into the game without big-hitting Kevin O’Brien, because of a hamstring injury.
Australia, with Steven Smith leading the team for the first time in his new role as captain, following the retirement of Michael Clarke, chose to bat on a good pitch and Burns, on his ODI debut, and Warner justified his decision.
They put on 139 for the first wicket, with both batsman compiling half-centuries, but Ireland hit back with six wickets for 85 runs to give the home crowd plenty to shout about.
The first 10 overs powerplay, though, was dominated by Australia as they scored 80, which included nine fours and two sixes, with Craig Young receiving the harshest treatment, his third over going for 17, including three consecutive fours by Burns.
The Queenslander was the first to his fifty, from 45 balls and two deliveries later, Warner brought up his half century from one ball fewer, both openers then having an identical boundary count of six fours and a six.
Australia’s David Warner scored 84 yesterday.
