1st One-day: Ireland v Australia 'A'

By Gerry Byrne

23 August 1998


This was the first of 5 scheduled one day matches between the sides. Unfortunately it was ruined by rain and eventually abandoned.

The start was delayed until 2.00 by overnight rain and continuing drizzle. When the match did start Michael Di Venuto won the toss and invited Ireland to bat. Following the early loss of McCallan, Smyth took the fight to the opposition, hitting 5 successive fours in one over of Bichel. After 12.4 Overs with Ireland on 73 for 2 there was a heavy shower which caused play to be suspended for 2 hours. When the game did resume it had been reduced to one of 25 Overs a side. Smyth and Waugh continued to attack, with Smyth scoring 8 4's in all in his innings of 39 and Waugh 5 4's and 3 6's in his total of 67. Eventually Ireland totalled 168 for 7 in their 25 Overs and the stage seemed set for an excellent finish with the Australians needing in excess of six and a half runs per over. However, a further thunderstorm put paid to any chances of further play and the match was abandoned at that stage.

The teams now move North for 4 further one day matches.


Source: Gerry Byrne (byrnegy@iol.ie)

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Date-stamped : 28 Aug1998 - 10:32