Sri Lanka's Super 12 opener against Ireland proved to be a cakewalk for the Islanders.
Having won the toss and opted to bat, Ireland lost captain Andrew Balbirnie & wicketkeeper batter, Lorcan Tucker, early. Paul Stirling's departure, controversial as it was, added to the Irish misery.
George Dockrell, who was named in the XI, despite being Covid-positive, then had a partnership going with Harry Tector, who was the aggressor in their 47-run 5th wicket stand.
But Ireland lost both the set batters in the space of 7 balls, and the chokehold at the end meant they could only garner 128 runs from their 20 overs.
In reply, the in-form Kusal Mendis once again showed his class. Along with Dhananjaya de Silva, he put together a 63-run opening stand.
While De Silva departed for 31, Mendis scored an unbeaten 43-ball 68. Coupled with Charith Asalanka's 31*, the Islanders always looked comfortable and chased down the paltry target in 15 overs.
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