Australian fast bowler nathan ellis produced a moment of genius to refute Ross Adair During the Group B match between Australia and Ireland ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 On Wednesday, February 11.
Nathan Ellis strikes early for Australia with a brilliant slow ball
Ireland’s breakthrough came on the first ball of the second over, when Ellis bowled a slower ball that was completely hidden. Adair was attempting to drop back and push the ball on-side, but was completely deceived by his lack of pace. The ball bounced off Ellis’ fingers, hit the pad and hit the middle stump, giving the batsman no advantage. Adair was out after scoring 12 runs in 9 balls, which included a four and a six.
Ellis celebrated with obvious joy as Australia made the best start with the ball and took control of the contest.
Here is the video:
What was that, Nathan Ellis?! 🙌
A slow song so good that you can’t help but smile! 😅
icc men #T20WorldCup | #AUSviRE | Live now 👉 https://t.co/jGP2pQtjsX pic.twitter.com/rYcDNLA5bc
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) 11 February 2026
Australia batted first and made a competitive score of 182/6.
Earlier, after winning the toss, decided to bat first. Australia made a strong score of 182 runs for 6 wickets in 20 overs.. Although the innings did not have a single impressive half-century or century, it was based on meaningful contributions throughout the order.
Captain Travis Head was run out early, but Josh Inglis carried the innings forward with an aggressive 37 off 17 balls. His innings included crisp stroke play which increased Australia’s scoring rate in the powerplay.
Cameron Green scored a quickfire 21, while Matt Renshaw scored 37 in the middle overs. The middle order ensured that the pace of the innings did not wane, especially after a small collapse around the halfway mark.
The momentum came courtesy of Marcus Stoinis, who scored 45 off 29 balls and injected much-needed energy during the death overs. His ability to hit boundaries against the Irish bowlers gave Australia a strong position.
Late cameos from Cooper Connolly and Xavier Bartlett ensured the total crossed the 180 mark, a score considered competitive in T20 World Cup conditions.
Ireland’s bowling had some moments, with Mark Adair taking two wickets. Matthew Humphreys, George Dockrell and Harry Tector also managed to restrict the scoring at stages, but Australia’s depth ultimately proved decisive.
Also read: AUS vs IRE, T20 World Cup 2026 – This is why Mitchell Marsh is not playing today’s match
