Defending champions Australia sealed in a place in the Super League quarter-final of the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup 2012 from Group A after registering a six-wicket victory over Ireland at Endeavour Park 2 in Townsville on Monday.

Australia bowlers Alex Gregory (three for 13), Shane Cassell (three for 24) and Gurinder Sandhu (two for 35) shared wickets between them as Ireland was skittled out for 129 in 42.5 overs after electing to bat first. In turn, captain Will Bosisto (36 not out) and Sam Hain (26 not out) put on 59 runs for the unbroken fifth wicket partnership as Australia achieved the target with just under 10 overs to spare.

It was Australia's third successive victory, which meant it is assured of a place in the last eight stage of the tournament which will be played in Townsville and will start on 19 August. The top two sides from all the four groups qualify for the Super League quarter-finals while the bottom two sides complete in the Plate Championship.

The winner of Thursday's match between England and Nepal will confirm which other side joins Australia from Group A in the quarter-final stage.

Australia coach Stuart Law was impressed with the performance of his side which reached the Super League quarter-finals after finishing unbeaten in Group A.

"To bowl a team out before a lunch break is a pretty good effort. We could be a little more conservative with the new ball, but all in all, we are getting early wickets," he said.

Law said they were taking things one step at a time as they look towards the play offs.

"We will sit down and work out we can improve on from the last two games and hopefully by the time we get to the quarter-finals we will be pretty well tuned," he added.