Aussies back in contention

Aaron Finch made another scratchy start before breaking the shackles in a half-century that set Australia on course for a 42-run win over Ireland on Monday in a crucial Group 1 match for the defending champions at the Twenty20 World Cup. Finch took a while to get going before posting 63 from 44 balls as Australia accelerated late to reach 179-5. The Irish got away to a flyer in reply with skipper Andy Balbirnie and veteran opener Paul Stirling each hitting a six in the first two overs before the Australian bowlers struck back with five wickets in 13 deliveries to leave them reeling at 25-5. Lorcan Tucker’s lone hand of 71 delayed the inevitable, helping Ireland reach 137 in 18.1 overs.