Australia and Ireland are set to cross paths in the 14th match of the ongoing T20I World Cup on Wednesday in Colombo. The battle will be intriguing, with Australia looking to begin their campaign on a winning note and Ireland eyeing a comeback.

Ireland come into the game after a setback against co-hosts Sri Lanka, but the loss would have a minimal effect on the side whose one of the biggest strengths heading into this World Cup has been continuity. The management has shown faith in experience by retaining 12 players from their squad in the previous edition. The experience will be key as they prepare to face one of the tournament’s most experienced sides.

Over the past decade, the two men’s teams have met only once across formats, during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Brisbane, where Australia secured a comfortable 42-run victory.

Australia, meanwhile, enter the match with a few concerns in their bowling department. Star fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have both been ruled out of the tournament recently due to back and Achilles issues, respectively.

In their absence, Nathan Ellis is expected to lead the pace attack. Moreover, Australia still possess impressive depth, particularly in their spin resources. Adam Zampa remains the frontline spinner, supported by left-arm options Matthew Kuhnemann and Cooper Connolly. In the batting department, Australia look formidable. The top order boasts explosive stars such as Travis Head, Josh Inglis and Matt Renshaw, while the middle order is packed with all-rounders in the form of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green.

Australia likely XI: Mitch Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann

Ireland likely XI: Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, Ben Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys