ANYONE looking for a form guide to today’s T20 World Cup clash between Ireland and Australia in Brisbane will be disappointed because the two sides have played each other only once over the shortest distance, and not for a decade.

The one meeting in September 2012 - featuring Paul Stirling and George Dockrell - produced a routine seven-wicket victory for Australia in Colombo after Kevin O’Brien had top scored with 35 in an Ireland total of 123-7. 

Indeed, as the two sides have also met just five times in one-day internationals, one of which was abandoned, it’s hardly surprising that Australia are one of the four major teams the Boys in Green have never beaten, along with India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

Ireland have played at the world-famous ‘Gabba before, beating the United Arab Emirates at the 2015 World Cup, when current assistant coach Gary Wilson made 80 to help secure a nervy two-wicket win.

Australia are expected to win, but are under great pressure to do so because out-of-touch skipper Aaron Finch will almost certainly have to relinquish the trophy he lifted for his side a year ago in Dubai if Ireland pull off an upset.

With only one game scheduled today (MON) the winners will join New Zealand at the top of Group 1, with five points.

Meanwhile, the Ireland women’s team have arrived in Lahore at the start of their historic first tour of Pakistan, which will feature three ODIs, starting on Friday, followed by a three-match T20 international series.