Confidence growing as Aussies defy tricky Ireland challenge
Australia captain Oliver Peake shares his thoughts after the defending champions began their World Cup campaign with a confidence-boosting win.
Australia is relieved to have 'blown off some cobwebs' in their first hitout at the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup to claim a first-up win over a gallant Ireland.
Looking to defend their 2024 crown, the Aussies were pushed hard by the Irish, who compiled an impressive first innings total of 235/7 to test Australia's batting credentials.
The tournament heavyweights were good enough to clear Ireland's mark in the 40th over, led by centurion Steven Hogan's classy 115-run knock.
Australia begin in style | Match Highlights | U19 CWC 2026
"It was a great game (and) awesome to chase down a pretty high total early in the tournament to give us some confidence," captain Oliver Peake revealed post-game.
"There are still a few areas to clean up, but overall pretty happy."
Peake also detailed a feeling of nervousness at the change of innings, which had to be met head on by Australia's top-order early in the chase.
"Yeah, I was pretty nervous, (Ireland) did very well to get (to 235 runs), it was a testing wicket. (They were) tough conditions early ... and I thought they batted really well. I knew we'd have a really tough chase on our hands."
Hogan's heroic performance boosts Australia | POTM Highlights | U19 CWC 2026
Queenslander Steven Hogan earned Player of the Match honours by going large with a ton that anchored Australia's chase, scoring 115 from 110 balls.
"(Hogan) is an absolute star," Peake continued.
"(He) makes runs wherever he goes and I'm very proud of him. He absolutely loves the game and works really hard, so it's very well deserved."
Hogan credited the platform laid by his openers Will Malajczuk (22 off 12) and Nitesh Samuel (77* off 101), who blasted 30 runs inside the first three overs to help settle some of Australia's nervous energy.
"It's pretty easy to bat after (Malajczuk) hits a few sixes ... makes it easier on everyone else," he said post-game.
While praising Ireland's effort with the bat, the Aussies admitted they will look to tighten their efforts in the field, after conceding 26 extras including 17 wides.
"I think that's one thing to continue to try and clean up during the tournament," Peake added.
"It was probably good to blow off some cobwebs and get used to all the things that come with (playing) international cricket ... get the nerves out of the way and hopefully we'll be better off for the run."
Now one-from-one to start their U19 Men's World Cup campaign, Australia's next clash is against Japan in Namibia on Tuesday.