


ABU DHABI: Round 1 match: Sri Lanka is the table toppers for Group A after a clinical performance by the Sri Lankan team to win against Ireland by 70 runs. Ireland was bowled out for 101 in 18.3 overs chasing Sri Lanka’s total of 171.
Put in to bat first by Ireland after winning the toss, Irish bowlers engaged in a lethal bowling spell against Sri Lanka, shaking the foundation of the Sri Lankan innings.
Wanindu Hasaranga lived up to all expectations with an all-round performance. He was moved up the order for some power hitting and he delivered in style with a score of 71 off 47 balls.
Opener Pathum Nissanka is indeed a gem for Sri Lanka he kept himself unruffled as wickets were falling around him. His resilient innings of 61 runs off 47 balls came at a time when Sri Lanka was in a dire need of consolidation. At one time Sri Lanka were 8 runs for 3 wickets. A 123 run-partnership between Hasaranga and Nissanka for the 4th wicket and a quick flair from captain dasun shanaka of 21 runs off 11 balls contributed to Sri Lanka reaching a very formidable score of 171 for 7 wickets off the allotted 20 overs. Joshua Little of Ireland took the 4 wickets for 23 runs and Mark Adair got 2 wickets for 35 runs.
Ireland chasing Sri Lanka’s formidable score was pushed to the back foot with 3 wickets falling just 32 runs. Maheesh Theekshana continue to be at his best with 3 wickets for 17 runs.
Andre Balbirnie battled against Sri Lanka’s remarkable bowling for Ireland to score 41 runs. Sri Lanka bundled Ireland for 101 runs to win by 70 runs. Sri Lanka tops the table with 4 points and a healthy run rate of 3.165. Sri Lanka will play Netherland on Friday, October 22.
Wanindu Hasaranga bowled strictly to give away only 12 runs for 1 wicket (4 overs). Chamika Karunaratne and Lahiru Kumara both picked up 2 wickets.
Wanindu Hasaranga was the player of the match for his all round performance. (RZ)
[Image credit icc-cricket.com]