Ireland and Australia managed just 10.4 overs at Stormont on Saturday, with the rain delaying play in the RSA Challenge and then calling time on the game with the hosts on 36 for three.
A debut had been handed to Ireland's Tim Murtagh, but he never actually reached the field of play, while Australia made four changes from the side that faced Leicestershire in a warm-up match.
Australia got off to the best possible start, with Brett Lee swinging the first ball of the match on a full length and bowling home Ireland skipper William Porterfield.
Up next was Ed Joyce, who survived a strong leg-before-wicket shout from the very next ball, but Lee followed up with another high-class delivery to make it nought for two after just three balls.
There was relief for the home fans when Ireland got off the mark with a Hilfenhaus wide.
Niall O'Brien nudged a single for the first run off the bat and Stirling soon got the scoreboard moving with a flashy cut for four, just clearing David Warner at backward point, followed by consecutive boundaries off Hilfenhaus.
Rain would soon get the better of the players though and, after a final inspection just before 4pm, the two captains shook hands to end the day in disappointment for players and spectators alike.