Defending ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup champions Australia beat Ireland by eight wickets

The defending champions eased to an eight-wicket win over Ireland in their first match of the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup at Windhoek in Namibia on Friday.

Riding on a superb hundred from Steve Hogan, Australia opened their title defence with two points.

Australia put Ireland in after winning the toss as they kept chipping in with wickets at regular intervals. Freddie Ogilby (49) and Robert O’Brien (79) offered resistance but the four-time winners didn't allow the Irish innings to gain momentum.

Led by Charles Lachmund who bagged three wickets while conceding just 41 runs in his 10 overs, Australia managed to restrict Ireland to 235/7 in their 50 overs.

Will Malajczuk and Nitesh Samuel got Australia off to a flier and although the former’s early charge lasted only 12 deliveries, the opening pair provided the platform for Hogan to come in and dominate proceedings.

Samuel anchored the innings allowing Hogan to be the aggressor as they duo stitched together a stellar 186-run stand to propel the defending champions within touching distance of a victory.

Samuel carried his bat through to take Australia home and hand them their first win of the tournament.

Australia return to action for their second game against Japan on Tuesday while Ireland take on Sri Lanka on Monday. Both matches will be held at the Namibia Cricket ground in Windhoek.

Image courtesy ICC