T20 WC: Sri Lanka's spin web and Kamindu Mendis power 20-run win over Ireland

Sri Lanka began their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup run connected a assured note, overcoming Ireland by 20 runs successful their opening fixture connected Sunday, acknowledgment to a composed unbeaten half-century from Kamindu Mendis and a objective show from their spinners. Asked to bat first, the hosts were rocked aboriginal erstwhile Mark Adair removed Kamil Mishara for six successful the 4th over. Despite the aboriginal setback, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis ensured Sri Lanka finished the powerplay connected coagulated footing, taking the people to 50 with a blend of caution and timely aggression.

The concern added 34 for the 2nd wicket earlier George Dockrell broke done successful the ninth over, dismissing Nissanka for 24 disconnected 23 balls.

Dockrell struck again soon after, sending Pavan Rathnayake backmost for 5, leaving Sri Lanka wobbling astatine 68 for 3 aft 11 overs. Ireland tightened the screws done the mediate phase, drying up the boundaries and forcing Sri Lanka to crawl to 95 for 4 by the 15th over. The momentum shifted dramatically thereafter. Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis counter-attacked with a captious 67-run basal that revived the innings.

Kamindu changed the complexion of the lucifer with a blistering burst, smashing 44 disconnected conscionable 19 balls, earlier settling into a mature unbeaten 56 disconnected 43 deliveries. His sound guided Sri Lanka to a competitory full of 163. In reply, Ireland mislaid skipper Paul Stirling early, trapped by Maheesh Theekshana successful the 4th over. Ross Adair showed intent but was bowled by Wanindu Hasaranga for 34, portion a promising 49-run basal betwixt Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker concisely kept Ireland successful the hunt. Sri Lanka’s spinners past took control. Hasaranga removed Tector for 40 and Dunith Wellalage accounted for Tucker, triggering a collapse. Theekshana struck doubly precocious to seal the contention arsenic Ireland were bowled retired for 143. Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga claimed 3 wickets apiece, underlining Sri Lanka’s all-round dominance.