Australia has tonight defeated Ireland by seven wickets in their opening match of the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
George Bailey lost the toss and Ireland elected to bat first, compiling 7-123 from their 20 overs as Shane Watson snared 3-26 and Mitch Starc took 2-20, while Glenn Maxwell and Brad Hogg finished with one wicket each.
In a man-of-the-match performance, Watson backed-up his three wickets with a brisk 51 that setup Australia’s run chase. Fellow opener David Warner also made 26, helping the Aussies put on 60 for the opening wicket, while 22 to Cameron White and an unbeaten 10 to George Bailey saw Australia home with 4.5 overs to spare.
