Captain Aaron Finch and Marcus Stoinis have gone berserk to fire Australia to 5-179 against Ireland in their crucial Twenty20 World Cup contest at the Gabba.
The duo added 70 from 36 balls in what could be a match-deciding fourth-wicket partnership after Ireland sent the hosts in.
Finch (63 off 44 balls) and Stoinis (35 off 25) had guided Australia to victory in Perth against Sri Lanka but on that occasion it was Stoinis doing all the damage.
The Australia captain found his groove this time and was just as severe on the Irish bowlers.
The ferocity of the duo's onslaught rattled fast bowler Mark Adair into bowling five wides in an 11-ball over that went for 26 runs.
Finch paced his innings to perfection after ensuring Australia did not lose too many wickets in the early overs.
Ireland paceman Barry McCarthy (3-29) dismissed David Warner (3) with his first delivery.
Each time Australia looked like getting away in the first 13 overs Ireland hit back with a wicket at a crucial moment.
Mitch Marsh (28 off 22 balls) landed a lusty 102m blow high over mid-wicket that scattered the fans in the top deck but departed just when he appeared set to cut loose.
Glenn Maxwell (13) was scratchy again and lost his wicket to a loose drive at Josh Little. He has now failed to reach 30 in his last 13 T20 international innings.
Australia and Ireland are on three competition points with England after three games, two points behind Group 1 leaders New Zealand.
The winner will entertain hopes of playing in the semi-finals but for the loser that task will likely be a forlorn one.
