Australia beat Ireland by 23 runs via D/L method

Australia's David Warner watches the ball after playing a shot during a one day international (ODI) cricket match between Ireland and Australia at Stormont Cricket Club in Belfast

Belfast: World champions Australia beat Ireland by 23 runs under the Duckworth/Lewis method for rain-affected matches in their lone one-day international in Belfast on Thursday.


Australia's David Warner watches the ball after playing a shot during a one day international (ODI) cricket match between Ireland and Australia at Stormont Cricket Club in Belfast. Pic/AFP

Ireland, set a revised target of 181 in 24 overs were dismissed for 157 in 23.4 overs, with Nathan Coulter-Nile taking three for 13 and Pat Cummins two for 19.

Earlier, Australia in their first match at this level since winning the World Cup, made 222 for six in 40.2 overs before their innings was cut short by rain.

David Warner top-scored with 84 and fellow opener Joe Burns made 69 on ODI debut in what was Steven Smith's first match as full-time Australia captain following the retirement of Michael Clarke.

Australia's tour continues with a lone Twenty20 and five-match one-day series against England, who beat them 3-2 in the recent Ashes Test campaign.