Rob O’Brien flew the flag for Dublin’s premier cricketing clan in Windhoek yesterday with a battling 79 as Ireland U19s opened their World Cup campaign against Australia with a eight-wicket defeat.

A 17-year-old left-handed batsman, O’Brien has been tipped for a career at the top level and his 98-ball innings, containing nine fours, confirmed his pedigree against a strong Australian attack in the Namibian capital.

Grandad Brendan ‘Ginger’ O’Brien will have been delighted, while uncles Niall and Kevin, both top notch white-ball batters, would have been impressed with Rob’s latter acceleration, with 38 of his runs coming from the last 24 balls faced.

While opener Freddie Ogilby also impressed, falling one short of his half-century, the Ireland total of 235-7 from the full quota of 50 overs was never going to be enough to stretch the young Aussies.

Clontarf speedster Reuben Wilson claimed a wicket in an otherwise expensive opening spell, but Nitesh Samuel and centurion Steve Hogan added 186 for the second wicket to speed their side to victory with 10.2 overs to spare.

Opening matches don’t come much tougher, and Ireland will be hoping to be more competitive against Sri Lanka on Monday before rounding off their pool matches with an intriguing clash with Japan.