The T20 World Cup opener is rarely straightforward, but Australia’s clash with Ireland carries a bit more intrigue than usual. The former champions arrive under a cloud after a rough run of results and with their once-fearsome pace attack badly depleted, yet they still start this tournament as one of the benchmark sides in world cricket. A strong start here would go a long way to settling nerves after a shaky build-up.
Check out our preview and betting tips for the clash below and remember to support our site and help to keep our content free by signing up to one of our best sports betting sites.
T20 World Cup: Australia vs Ireland Preview & Betting Tips
Colombo, Wednesday 11th February, 8:30pm AEDT
Australia
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Australia men's national cricket team come into the tournament missing a huge chunk of their traditional bowling firepower. The absence of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood strips away one of the most intimidating fast-bowling trios of the modern era, and even Nathan Ellis is carrying an injury cloud after missing the BBL final. Adam Zampa’s return from a groin issue is timely and critical, particularly with all of Australia’s group games scheduled in Sri Lanka, where spin is expected to dominate.
Form-wise, it hasn’t been pretty. Australia haven’t won any of their last five completed matches, including a 0–3 whitewash in Pakistan with a weakened squad. That said, the batting still has serious upside. Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis give Australia depth, flexibility and power through the order, while Josh Inglis adds another attacking option against spin. Even with their bowling looking thinner than in past tournaments, Australia still possess enough all-round quality to overwhelm most sides if they get momentum early.
Ireland
Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.
Ireland men's national cricket team enter this contest knowing they’ll need something close to a perfect performance. They pushed Sri Lanka in patches in their opening match but ultimately went down by 20 runs, highlighting both their competitiveness and the fine margins they’ll need to win at this level. Led by Paul Stirling, Ireland’s batting has experience at the top and solid all-round depth through players like Curtis Campher, George Dockrell and Gareth Delany.
What Ireland do have is belief and history. This is their ninth T20 World Cup appearance, and they’ve previously knocked off heavyweight nations including England and West Indies on the biggest stage. With a bowling attack featuring Josh Little, Mark Adair and Barry McCarthy, they’ll look to expose Australia’s early fragility and keep the pressure on through the middle overs. Against an Australian side still searching for rhythm, Ireland won’t feel out of place.
Match Prediction
Australia’s preparation has been far from ideal, but this still feels like a game they should control. Their batting depth, experience in big tournaments and adaptability to spin-heavy conditions give them a clear edge, especially if Zampa and the supporting spinners can squeeze Ireland through the middle overs. Ireland will compete and likely have moments where they threaten, but over 40 overs Australia’s class should tell. Australia to start their campaign with a win.
Australia to win - no bet
Player Prop
Travis Head to top the Aussie scorers. The No.8 ranked T20 batter in the world averages 29.0 in T20 internationals at a strike rate of 157, and if Australia are to make a statement early in the tournament, Head’s ability to attack spin in the powerplay looks key.
Head top AUS runscorer
$3.80
