Ireland's U19 cricketers were beaten in their World Cup opener against Australia. Photo by Brendan Moran/SportsfileRob O’Brien flew the flag for Dublin’s premier cricketing clan in Windhoek on Friday with a battling 79 as Ireland U19s opened their World Cup campaign against Australia with an eight‑wicket defeat. Grandad Brendan “Ginger” O’Brien will have been delighted, while uncles Niall and Kevin, both top‑notch white‑ball batters, would have been impressed with Rob’s late acceleration, with 38 of his runs coming from the last 24 balls faced. While opener Freddie Ogilby also impressed, falling one short of his half‑century, the Ireland total of 235‑7 from the full quota of 50 overs was never going to be enough to stretch the young Aussies. Opening matches don’t come much tougher, and Ireland will be hoping to be more competitive against Sri Lanka on Monday before rounding off their pool matches with an intriguing clash with Japan.

Source: Irish Independent January 16, 2026 15:48 UTC