COLOMBO, Feb 11, 2026 — A resilient, depleted Australian side overcame a horror start and a spin-friendly R. Premadasa surface to set Ireland a challenging target of 183 in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group B opener.

Despite missing key stars like Mitchell Marsh and Pat Cummins, stand-in skipper Travis Head saw his side scrap to a competitive 182/6 after winning the toss and electing to bat first.

Australia’s Injury Crisis: A Skeleton Crew in Colombo

Australia entered their campaign launch under a dark cloud of injuries. Regular captain Mitchell Marsh was a late withdrawal due to a groin injury, while pace spearheads Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were also ruled out. With Tim David rehabbing a hamstring issue, the “undermanned” Aussies were forced to test their bench depth immediately.

Innings Breakdown: Inglis Explosive, Stoinis Steady

The innings began with a disaster for the favorites. A calamitous mix-up in the second over saw Travis Head run out for just 6, leaving Australia at 7/1.

However, wicketkeeper Josh Inglis ignited the recovery, blasting 37 off 17 balls (6 fours, 1 six). Alongside Cameron Green (21 off 11), Inglis powered the Aussies to 56/2 by the end of the powerplay, momentarily silencing the Irish supporters.

The Irish Spin Trap

As the field spread, Ireland’s spinners found significant purchase on the Colombo track.

• George Dockrell snared the dangerous Inglis.

• Harry Tector removed Glenn Maxwell for just 9.

• Mark Adair chipped in with the vital wicket of Green, leaving Australia reeling at 88/4 in the 10th over.

Stoinis and Renshaw Lead the Fightback

The middle overs belonged to Marcus Stoinis and Matt Renshaw. The pair stitched together a crucial 61-run partnership. While Renshaw (31) anchored the innings, Stoinis played the aggressor, finishing as the top scorer with a vital 45 runs.

Late cameos from youngsters Cooper Connolly (11)* and Xavier Bartlett (11)* ensured Australia crossed the 180-mark, a total that historically offers a 65% win rate at this venue.

Key Match Stats

Fall of Wickets: 1-7 (Head), 2-56 (Green), 3-69 (Inglis), 4-88 (Maxwell), 5-149 (Renshaw), 6-159 (Stoinis).

Playing XIs

• Australia: Travis Head (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa.

• Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys.

The Outlook: With a turning track and Australia’s spin duo of Adam Zampa and Matthew Kuhnemann ready to operate, Ireland faces a steep climb. Australia holds a 71% win probability heading into the second innings.

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