Australia thumped Ireland by 67 runs in Colombo, sealing Group B with a strong performance across both innings of the T20 World Cup.

The standout performer with the ball was Nathan Ellis, who ripped through Ireland to finish 4-12 to bag the Player of the Match award.

Australia innings: 182/6 in 20 overs

Solid start to the innings after being put in to bat. Blasted 64 in the powerplay and then lost two quick wickets. Josh Inglis gave them a brisk start with a 33, while Matt Renshaw anchored patiently.

They ran away to 50 in 4.4 overs and reached 100 in 11.3, once Renshaw and Marcus Stoinis had steadied the innings and taken them into the middle phase in a good spot at 120/4.

The pair contributed an important 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket in 38 balls. Renshaw chipped in with 24, while Stoinis made a useful 30 to maintain the momentum. Australia managed to go past the 150-run mark by the 17.2 overs and eventually closed their account at 182/6.

Late boosts from Cameron Connolly and Xavier Bartlett helped to push the total to a defendable mark.

Ireland innings: 115 all out in 16.5 overs

Ireland chased badly it seemed in the powerplay as wickets kept falling in bundles. They made just 40 for 4 in the first six overs, with Captain Paul Stirling retiring hurt early, complicating matters.

Lorcan Tucker and George Delany tried to rebuild, but Australia's bowlers kept up the pressure. A successful review sent Tucker on his way, further denting Ireland.

George Dockrell resisted with 32 as Ireland got to 100 in 14.5 overs, but further wickets fell - including another review, this time against Matthew Humphreys.

However, Ireland were bowled out for 115 in 16.5 overs, falling well short of their target.

Nathan Ellis steals the show for Hurricanes.

Ellis was sensational for Australia, returning figures of 4/12 while Ireland's batters found it beyond their abilities to counter his pace, accuracy, and variation as the game ended in an Australian win.
Match Summary

Australia: 182/6 (20 overs)

Ireland: 115 all out (16.5 overs)

Result: Australia won by 67 runs

Player of the Match: Nathan Ellis (4/12)

Australia’s convincing victory strengthened their position in Group B, while Ireland were left searching for answers after another tough outing.