Ireland well beaten by Australia at the Gabba

Australia eased to a 42-run win over Ireland at the T20 World Cup on Monday to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Captain Aaron Finch's 63 off 44 balls helped the champions to an imposing total of 179 for five at the Gabba before Australia's bowlers led by Mitchell Starc terrorised Ireland's top order on Halloween.

Australia move to second in Group 1 behind leading New Zealand, who have a game in hand.

Ireland's semi-final hopes appear over after a second Super 12s defeat but Lorcan Tucker's excellent knock of 71 spared them embarrassment and kept Australia's net run-rate below that of England, who face New Zealand on Tuesday.

Net run-rate will be decisive if teams finish level on points, with Australia joining group leaders New Zealand on five - although England could make it a trio if they overcome the Kiwis at the same venue.

Ireland are now fourth in the six-team group and will face New Zealand on Friday.

After a slow and awkward 31 not out against Sri Lanka in Perth, Finch started tensely with the bat but grew in confidence in partnerships with Mitchell Marsh (28) and Marcus Stoinis (35).

The stocky opener struggled with his running later in the innings, though, and left the field early with a hamstring strain during Ireland's chase.

"A little hammy twinge, I think, so we'll get a scan tomorrow. Unfortunately I've had a history of them so we'll see how it goes," said Finch, named man of the match.

"That doesn't feel too bad at the moment but generally overnight they can stiffen up."

It put a sour note on a clinical performance by the hosts in front of a crowd laden with fans dressed in Halloween costumes.

After spin bowling all-rounder Glenn Maxwell took two quick wickets, Starc bowled Curtis Campher and George Dockrell in a