Australian Accelerator Nathan Ellis produced a moment of brilliance to dismiss Ross Adair During the Group B match between Australia and Ireland ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Wednesday, February 11.
Nathan Ellis strikes Australia early with a brilliant slow ball
There was a breakthrough in Ireland’s second, first ball, as Ellis dropped a perfectly disguised slower delivery. Adair was completely deceived by the lack of pace as he tried to drop back and nudge the ball to the side. The ball spun through Ellis’s fingers, clipped the pad and crashed into mid-stump, leaving the batter unfinished. Adair departed for 9 off 12 balls, including one four and one six.
Ellis celebrated with visible glee as Australia got off to an ideal start with the ball, fueling the contest.
We present the video:
What was that, Nathan Ellis?! 🙌
The slow one is so good you can’t help but smile! 😅
ICC Men #T20WorldCup | #AUSWIRE | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/jGP2pQtjsX pic.twitter.com/rYcDNLA5bc
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 11, 2026
Australia a competitive 182/6 after the first innings
Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia put together a solid total of 182 for 6 in the 20th over. While the innings hasn’t featured a single dominant fifty or century, it has built on meaningful contributions across the order.
Captain Travis Head fell early after being run out, but Josh Inglis steadied the innings with an aggressive 37 off 17 deliveries. His innings included a sharp hitting game that raised the scoring rate in Australia’s power play.
Cameron Green scored 21 and Matt Renshaw scored 37. The average consistency ensured the batting didn’t lose momentum, especially after the mini-collapse around the halfway mark.
The acceleration came courtesy of Marcus Stoinis, who smashed a 29-ball 45, hitting much-needed power during the death overs. His ability to find boundaries against the Irish bowlers gave Australia a strong finish.
Late cameos from Cooper Connolly and Xavier Bartlett ensured the total passed the 180 considered competitive in T20 World Cup conditions.
Mark Adair took two wickets in Ireland’s bowling. Matthew Humphreys, George Dockrell and Harry Tector also managed to keep the score down at stages, but Australia’s depth proved decisive in the end.
Also READ: AUS vs IRE, T20 World Cup 2026 – Why Mitchell Marsh is not playing in today’s match
