After initial scare from Irish bowlers, Sri Lanka register big win in their second group stage game to solidify their chances of making it to Super 12. Ireland batters disappointed in the run chase of 172 as they were bundled out for 101 with nine balls to go in the innings. The win provided a major boost to Sri Lanka’s net run rate and even if they lose their next match against Netherlands, it should not have an impact on their qualifying chances.
Top order collapse
Sri Lankan dugout had a few nervous faces after they were reduced to 8/3 in second over with two batters getting out on golden duck. New-ball bowler Joshua Little got the wickets of Dinesh Chandimal and Avishka Fernando whereas Paul Stirling got the wicket of opener Kusal Perera on the second ball of the match. Interestingly, Stirling bowled just one over. Little went on to register his T20I career-best bowling figures taking four wickets for 23 runs in his four overs.
Hasaranga, Nissanka score half-centuries
Opener Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga ensured Sri Lanka don’t lose any more wickets. The duo helped Sri Lanka take advantage of fielding restrictions as well with seven boundaries from two overs. The two shared a 121-run partnership for third wicket to get Sri Lanka to a comfortable position to accelerate in death overs. Hasaranga scored his maiden T20I half-century. The all-rounder scored 71 runs from 47 deliveries including 10 fours and one six. Nissanka brought up his maiden T20I half-century as well scoring 61 runs from 41 deliveries. He anchored the innings and got out only in the penultimate over.
Ireland’s disastrous run chase
Ireland never looked like they were in the hunt as they lost their top order in the powerplay overs. Skipper Andrew Balbirnie top-scored for Ireland scoring 41 runs from 39 deliveries. The highest partnership was for the fourth wicket between Balbirnie and Curtis Campher putting on 53 runs for the fourth wicket. They were the only two batters who managed a double-digit score. After the two got out, Ireland could not even play the full 20 overs and bundled out for 101. Maheesh Theekshana took three wickets whereas Lahiru Kumara and Hasaranga took two each. The huge loss also had a negative impact on their NRR, hurting their chances to finish in top two after the conclusion of round 1.
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