Sri Lanka Script 2nd Innings Comeback To Defeat Ireland By 20 Runs

Sri Lanka, co-hosting the tournament, delivered a comprehensive, all-round performance to kick off their T20 World Cup campaign with a 20-run victory over Ireland on Sunday.

Opting to bat first, Kamindu Mendis’ explosive 19-ball 44 and Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten half-century propelled Sri Lanka to 163 for six, despite a sluggish start.

The Irish fielders’ dropped catches under the lights at the R Premadasa Stadium also aided Sri Lanka’s total.

In response, Ireland were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs.

Ross Adair scored 34 off 23 balls, while Harry Tector contributed 40 off 34 deliveries.

Maheesh Theekshana (3/23 in 4 overs) and Wanindu Hasaranga (3/25 in 4 overs) excelled with the ball, playing crucial roles in the Sri Lankan victory.

During the chase,

Ireland lost captain Paul Stirling (6) in the fourth over with only 24 runs on the board, but Ross Adair was in fine form, swiftly reaching 29 off 16 balls as his team ended the power play at 45 for one.

Stirling, having been dropped by Kusal Mendis on 1, failed to capitalise and was bowled by an excellent yorker from Maheesh Theekshana.

Sri Lanka secured the key wicket of Adair when Wanindu Hasaranga bowled him with an outstanding googly in his first over.

Harry Tector continued to anchor the Irish innings, and they reached 72 for two at the halfway point, needing another 92 runs from 60 balls.

However, Hasaranga struck again, dismissing Tector in the 16th over.

Ireland’s innings then collapsed, losing quick wickets to be bowled out.

Earlier, wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis scored 56 off 43 balls, including five boundaries, and added 67 runs for the fifth wicket with Kamindu Mendis, who hit four fours and two sixes, lifting Sri Lanka from a precarious 86 for four in the 14th over.

Ireland chose to field first, a decision that initially seemed to work as they dismissed Sri Lanka opener Kamil Mishara (14) and restricted them to 28 runs in the first four overs.

Mishara, who was given a reprieve, failed to make the most of it as Mark Adair removed him with a well-concealed slower ball, which the batter hit straight to mid-off.

Mishara looked promising during his brief 11-ball innings, as did his opening partner Pathum Nissanka, who fell after scoring 24 off 23 balls, both squandering good starts and disappointing the home crowd.

Nissanka, one of the team’s top batsmen, raised hopes of a significant score when he smashed left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys for a huge six over deep square.

Kusal Mendis hit three fours off Barry McCarthy (2/40 in 3 overs) in the sixth over, helping Sri Lanka reach 50 for one by the end of the power play.

These boundaries prompted Ireland captain Paul Stirling to bring in experienced left-arm spinner George Dockrell (2/17 in 4 overs), who conceded just four runs in his first over.

The decision to introduce Dockrell at that stage paid off, considering Nissanka’s ongoing struggles against spin. It quickly yielded results as Dockrell deceived Nissanka with a slower ball, leading to a sharp catch by Stirling at cover.

Meanwhile, Kusal Mendis struggled to accelerate but hung in there, as Dockrell struck again, bowling out Pavan Rathnayake, who attempted a ramp shot off a ball that didn’t warrant it. This poor shot selection left Sri Lanka at 68 for three at the start of the 11th over.

Dockrell was in complete control as the spinners dominated Sri Lanka’s batsmen.

Bowling his leg-spinners, Gareth Delany (1/24 in 4 overs) had Dunith Wellalage caught out as the batter skied a tossed-up delivery to the long-on fielder, leaving Sri Lanka in deep trouble.

However, Kamindu and Kusal Mendis revived the innings with their partnership, playing aggressive cricket.

(With PTI Inputs)