Not that any other outcome could have been expected, but the Aussie cricketers, led by Usman Khawaja and Captain Steve Smith, administered an emphatic thrashing to the Irish squad in an one-day international in Benoni, South Africa.
Leg spinner Adam Zampa was a primary contributor as well.
A comfortable nine-wicket victory went to the Aussies as Khawaja and Smith both tallied unbeaten half centuries to reel in a modest target of 199 with almost 120 balls unneeded.
For Khawaja, it was his second best ever ODI, thanks to his unbeaten 82.
Fellow opener David Warner added support with 48 off 30, whilst Smith chalked up 59 not out off 74.
Ireland seemed to have the issue in hand after winning the toss and surging to 1 – 121 in the 23rd, surging, that is, until Zampa, playing in his 13th ODI, pumped the brakes and took key wickets of skipper Will Porterfield and Keven O’Brien. Zampa concluded with a finish of 3 – 37 from 10 overs.
The quicks made their presence felt as John Hastings and Scott Boland each took two wickets.
Next up for the Aussie squad is a five-match ODI series against South Africa.
