(Cricket news) Sri Lanka posted the highest total of this year’s competition so far (171-7) as The Lions defeated Ireland by 70 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Both sides went into the clash on a high as both Ireland and Sri Lanka had impressive wins against the Netherlands and Namibia.
Ireland had a start they could only have dreamed of as Kusal Perera was dismissed from the second ball of the match while Dinesh Chandimal (6) and Avishka Fernando (0) were dismissed by Josh Little. The situation looked bleak for Sri Lanka who were at 8-3 at one but but the tide turned after game changing innings by Wanindu Hasaranga (71 runs off 47) and Pathum Nissanka (61 runs off 47) helped The Lions score 171-7 with the pair contributing to a 123 run partnership. A late cameo by Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka (21 runs off 11) helped the 2014 champions reach the mammoth score with Adair being thumped for 10 runs from the final two balls of the innings.
Ireland started poorly with openers Kevin O’Brien (5) and Paul Stirling (7) being dismissed inside three overs. After an inspiring batting performance, Hasaranga took the wicket of Gareth Delany (2) but skipper Andrew Balbirnie and Campher held the fort with a 53 run partnership to give Ireland a glimmer of hope. However, Sri Lanka’s quality was too much to handle as a disciplined performance by the bowlers ensured that Ireland lost their last seven wickets for just 16 runs in a 34 ball spell.
Sri Lanka will next face Netherlands on 22nd October at 7:30 pm while Ireland will face Namibia tomorrow at 3:30 pm.
