A fourth wicket century partnership between skipper Michael di Venuto and Damien Martin in 77 minutes laid the foundation for Australia's victory over Ireland at Downpatrick yesterday.

They came together after the tourists were reduced to 30 for three in the seventh over after Derek Heasley had picked up two wickets for 25 runs in his opening five overs. Di Venuto hit 52 in only 57 balls, while Martin was sixth out at 219, two short of a century. Left-arm spinner Matt Dwyer was the best of Ireland's bowlers, picking up the Aussie skipper and Andrew Symonds before Andy Bichel smashed 23 of eight balls to post a score of 268 for eight.

Bichel again started Ireland's downfall when he removed Kyle McCallan in his first over. With the score at 39, he had the vital wicket of Steve Waugh when he was caught behind for 17 after having him dropped twice. Captain Stephen Smyth, who opened the innings, was the only batsman to master the Australian pace attack. He was eventually seventh out in the 28th over after completing his half-century which contained five fours in Ireland's total at that stage of 94 for seven. The innings collapsed for a total of 98 with medium pacer Symonds picking up four for 13 in only 4.2 overs to give his side an impressive 170-run victory.