Sri Lanka stunned Ireland by nine wickets in their opening clash at Hobart. Kusal Mendis top scorer for Sri Lanka with 68(43).
Sri Lanka completely dominated the Irish bowling in the second innings. The Irish never looked in the game throughout their batting and bowling innings apart from the first six overs of their batting innings. Sri Lankan spinners dominated the game in the first half. Kushal Mendis played an excellent inning of 68(43) with three mammoth sixes. Supported by Dhanajaya 31(25) and Asalanka 31(22). They finished the game with five overs to spare.
Earlier in the Ireland innings, Tector was the top scorer with 45(41) Sri Lankan spinners Theekshana and Hasaranga picked two wickets apiece breaking the spine of their batting. This performance will shoot up Sri Lanka’s NRR and gives them an advantage over other teams in the group. Sri Lanka will next face Australia at Perth. It will be a mouth-watering contest.
Dasun Shanaka, the skipper of Sri Lanka says that he is really happy with the performance. Adds that they knew spin would play a major role. Mentions that Kusal Mendis is playing well and has adjusted according to conditions quickly. Tells that he is pleased with the death bowling and batting in the Powerplay and they need to do that consistently. Ends by thanking the Sri Lankan fans.
Andy Balbirnie, the skipper of Ireland says that he is disappointed with the batting effort. Adds that the plan was to put on 160+ but they were well short of that. Credits the Lankan bowlers and says there wasn’t much spin but it was enough to challenge the bat. Tells that they need to improve as a batting group. Mentions that Tector is in good form and he is an important player for them. Says that the next game against England will be exciting as they haven’t played a T20I against them in 11 years or so.
Kusal Mendis is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH! He says that he is enjoying the moment. Adds that the bowlers did very well in restricting Ireland to low scores which allowed him to play his own game. Mentions that the plan was to utilise the Powerplay and to chase the target under 17 overs to improve the NRR. Ends by thanking the Sri Lankan supporters.
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