It was owing to a 52-run fifth wicket partnership between O'Brien brothers -- Niall and Kevin -- that Ireland managed a total in excess of 120 after they were reeling at 33 for four in the eighth over at the Premadasa Stadium.
Shane Watson was the most successful Aussie bowler with figures of three for 26. More importantly, he dismissed both the O'Brien brothers in one over.
While Kevin scored 35 off 29 balls with five fours, Niall managed 20 off 24 balls with two boundaries after the minnows decided to bat upon winning the toss.
Australia were off to a perfect start when Watson removed Irish opener William Porterfield with a bouncer. The left-handed opener tried the hook shot but the ball ballooned up and Starc standing at deep fine-leg took a simple catch.
Other opener Paul Stirling (7) during his 12-ball stay tried to smash each and every delivery. Finally, he slashed hard at an angular one from Starc but it was Watson this time who decided to return the favour by taking a well-judged catch in the deep third-man region.
Former England international Ed Joyce hit three fours but never looked like being in control of the situation. His frustration got better of him when Glenn Maxwell came to bowl his friendly off-breaks. Joyce couldn't clear David Warner at mid-off and fell for 16. (MORE)