Aaron Finch under massive injury cloud after hurting hamstring in win over Ireland
Australian captain Aaron Finch's T20 World Cup campaign could be in doubt after he suffered a hamstring injury in a thumping win over Ireland.
After struggling mightily for form to start the tournament, Finch finally broke free of the shackles, smacking 63 off 44 deliveries, but pulled up lame towards the end of the knock. He was named the Player of the Match for his innings.
Finch came out onto the field for the start of Ireland's innings, but was forced off due to the injury after the seventh over.
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Tim David added to Australia's injury woes just a few overs later when he was also forced off the field with a hamstring injury.
Aaron Finch top scored with 63 in Australia's innings but suffered a hamstring injury towards the end of the knock ICC via Getty Images
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It remains to be seen what the severity of the two players' injury blows are. Adding to Australia's concerns was the fact that Marcus Stoinis also ended the match off the field.
Following the match, Finch described the injury as "a little hammy twinge".
"I'll get a scan tomorrow. Unfortunately I've had a history of them so we'll see how I go. It doesn't feel too bad at the moment, but generally overnight they can stiffen up. We'll get a scan and get the full results."
The Australian captain said he was "very hopeful" that he would be able to take the field for the team's next match, Friday's clash against Afghanistan.
Finch's lusty blows helped Australia post an impressive total of 5-179 in its 20 overs, before early strikes from Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc restricted Ireland to 137.
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Australia needed a win of over 75 runs to see its net run rate go above England's and looked headed towards one, before a brilliant unbeaten 71 off just 48 deliveries from Ireland's Lorcan Tucker.
The win sees Australia rise into second place in Group 1, behind New Zealand, but its net run rate remains in the negatives at -0.30, behind England's mark of 0.24.
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