Sri Lanka thrashed Ireland by a margin of 70 runs on their way to qualifying for Super 12.
While chasing 172, Ireland did not have a sound start losing the experienced Kevin O’Brien in the very first over. At the end of the powerplay, they were struggling at 41/3.
After that, the skipper Balbirnie (41 off 39) and Curtis Campher (24 off 28) tried to rebuild the innings. But it all fell apart once their 53-run partnership was broken. The rest of the batting lineup capitulated only to have Ireland bowled out at 101.
Meheesh Thesskshana was the pick of the bowlers with his spell of 3/17.
Earlier in the game, Ireland won the toss and sent their opposition to bat first. Sri Lanka had an absolutely horrendous start losing three wickets in the first two overs.
Sri Lankan batters, however, had no intention of slowing down. They kept on coming at the bowlers and belted them all around the park. As a result, despite the early collapse, they managed to have 47 on the board at the end of the powerplay.
The batters then controlled the remaining part of the innings. Hasaranga played a blinder scoring 71 runs off just 47 deliveries. Pathum Nissanka played the anchor role initially and once his partner Hasaranga got dismissed, he took the responsibility of continuing the onslaught upon himself. He ended with 61 off 47 balls.
Shanaka too chipped in with a cameo of unbeaten 21 off 11 deliveries to ensure Sri Lanka have a defendable total on the board.
Joshua Little was the man for the Irish as he picked up four wickets, including the two successive ones in his first over for just 23 runs.
Hasaranga has been adjudged the Player of the Match for his all-round performance with 71 runs off 47 balls and 1/12 in four overs.
