Australia beat Ireland by 23 runs in the rain affected one-off ODI

Warner made quick-fire 84 runs

Australia defeated Ireland in the only-ODI match by 23 runs (D/L method) at the Civil Service Cricket Club Ground in Belfast. The kangaroos’ openers Joe Burns and David Warner gave them a flying start which set the base for the visitors. 

After winning the toss, Australian captain Steven Smith decided to bat first decided, Burns was set make his debut and he disappoint in his first outing.

The match was delayed due to wet outfield, the umpires did inspection before the match and decided to make it 47 overs per side.

Burns was off to a great start, hitting Irish bowlers all around the park. His partner Warner supported him well as he joined in started to smash. Soon, Burns recorded his fifty and then Warner too brought his fifty up.

Both the batsmen looked set and were moving ahead towards a big total. Ireland's Craig Young brought relief to the home team when he got the debutant out with a short-pitched delivery. Australia's first wicket partnership lasted for 139 runs.

Warner got out next off Tim Murtagh's bowling. He scored quick-fire 84 runs off just 80 balls, which included 7 boundaries and 3 huge sixes.

Captain Smith came in next, he took his time to get settled. George Bailey and Glenn Maxwell failed to show any resistance and gave away their wickets. It was a great comeback by Ireland, Australia were 170 for the loss off 4 wickets now.

It again started to drizzle and this time it looked bit heavy, the umpires  decided to take players off the field. 

As soon as the play started, Stuart Thompson found Smith's edge and Ireland started to pull things back. He scored 21 off 38 deliveries. Rain arrived again and this time it was heavy, Australia's innings ended in the 41st over with 222 runs on board.

It was clear by now that Ireland were supposed to face D/L adjusted target. William Porterfield and Paul Stirling came into bat. Mitchell Starc opened for Australia and he was right on money, he striked in the first over itself, getting Porterfield bowled off a full swinging-in delivery. Stirling got out in the next over off Coulter-Nile's ball and Ireland were off to a very bad start, they were 7 for the loss of 2 wickets in the second over.

Ed Joyce and Niall O'Brien stood their ground and built pressure over the Australian bowlers before rain again interrupted the play. Revised total for Ireland was 181 runs from 24 overs.

Soon, 9th fifty-plus stand between Ed Joyce and Niall O'Brien in ODIs came up.They both kept Ireland in the hunt. Maxwell came into Australia's rescue as they got rid off both Joyce and O'Brien.

The wickets kept falling after that, Ireland, who once looked giving Australians a tight fight, left it all open. The visitors' wrapped up Irish innings at 157 runs and won the match by 23 runs (D/L method).