Clontarf (Ireland), June 18(ANI): A career-best five-wicket haul by Australian all-rounder James Hopes led the Aussies to an unconvincing 39-run victory over Ireland in their one-day international in Clontarf, Ireland.
Chasing a target of 232, Hopes' haul of five for 14 off nine overs helped Australia to restrict the home side for 192 in 42 overs.
A stunning upset was on the cards when Ireland, who have just six fully contracted players in their line-up, reached 137-3 in the 25th over, but Hopes dismissed Ireland's tail to spare the Aussies from losing to the non-Test playing side.
Ireland openers William Porterfield (39 off 42 balls) and Paul Stirling (36 off 36 balls) thrashed 80 off 68 balls, including 42 from the first four overs, to begin an attacking reply.
Other major contribution came for the fourth wicket, with Alex Cusack and Niall O'Brien adding 51 before Hopes wreaked havoc.
Ireland lost their final seven wickets for 55 runs, 36 of which came in the last-wicket stand between John Mooney and Boyd Rankin, Fox Sports reports.
Earlier, Australian were restricted to 231-9 in their 50 overs after skipper Ricky Ponting won the toss and elected to bat.
Opening batsman Tim Paine (81 off 122 balls) formed the cornerstone of Australia's innings, sharing twin 66-run partnerships with Ricky Ponting (33 off 54 balls) and Cameron White (42 off 54).
For Ireland, Kevin O'Brien was most successful bowler taking three for 43, while Stirling chipped in with two for 34.
Brief Scorecard:
Australia- 231-9 (Paine 81, White 42, Kevin O'Brien 3-43) Ireland- 192 (Porterfield 39 Stirling 36, Hopes 5-14) (ANI)
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