Nathan Ellis delivered a statement performance in Australia’s 67-run win over Ireland in their T20 World Cup 2026 group stage clash. The right-arm pacer produced a clinical spell of 4/23 in his four overs, earning the Player of the Match award and underlining his growing importance to Australia’s white-ball setup.
Australia Post 201/7 After Strong Finish
Australia first put up a commanding 201/7 in their 20 overs. After a steady powerplay, the middle order accelerated sharply, adding 62 runs in the final five overs to push the total past the 200 mark. Contributions came through the lineup, with two batters striking at over 150 and the team smashing 11 sixes overall.
A target of 202 in a World Cup game always carries scoreboard pressure, and Australia ensured they had enough on the board to test Ireland’s depth.
Nathan Ellis Turns the Game With 4/23 Spell
Defending 202, Australia needed early breakthroughs, and Ellis delivered immediately. He struck in his first over to remove Ireland’s in-form opener and followed it up with a tight second over that conceded just 5 runs. At the end of his first two overs, his figures read 2-0-9-1.
Ireland were 52/1 at the end of the powerplay and looked well placed, but Ellis’ return in the middle overs changed the contest. He picked up two wickets in a single over, breaking a 41-run stand and dismissing a set batter who had raced to 36 off 24 balls. He later returned at the death to seal his fourth wicket, finishing with an economy rate of 5.75 on a surface where most bowlers conceded over 8 runs per over.
Ireland were eventually bowled out for 134 in 18.4 overs, losing 6 wickets for 48 runs after Ellis’ decisive spell.
Nathan Ellis Stats in T20 World Cup 2026
This performance continues Ellis’ impressive run in T20 cricket. Across his last 10 T20 Internationals, he has taken 18 wickets at an average below 20 and a strike rate under 15. In the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, he has already picked up 7 wickets in three matches, emerging as one of Australia’s most reliable bowlers in crunch phases.
His ability to mix hard lengths, slower balls, and pinpoint yorkers makes him particularly effective in both the middle overs and at the death. Four of his seven wickets in this tournament have come between overs 12 and 20, highlighting his value in high-pressure situations.
For Australia, the win strengthens their position in the group stage and improves their net run rate significantly. With Ellis in this kind of form, their pace attack looks balanced and battle-ready heading into the knockout stages.