Sri Lanka beat Ireland by 20 runs in the sixth match of the WT20. It was a terrific start by the home team who put up an all-round performance to seal a comfortable win in their opening match. Sri Lanka were put into bat by Paul Stirling. Sri Lanka started a bit cautiously but lost their first wicket for 28 as Kamil Mishara departed. Pathum Nissanka put up a partnership with Kusal Mendia. Just as they got into a good position of 62/1, they lost the wicket of Pathum Nissanka. The Irish bowlers controlled the middle phase of the innings with some excellent bowling. They picked up wickets in clusters as Sri Lanka went from 62/1 to 86/4 in a matter of five overs in the middle phase.
Despite losing his partners, Kusal Mendis consolidated the innings and scored a terrific half-century. Kamindu Mendis who walked in to the crease at 86/4, started positively and completely changed the momentum of the innings as Sri Lanka got plenty of big overs. Kamindu Mendis smashed 44 runs of just 19 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes before he got out. He had ensured Sri Lanka got a decent total. In the end, Kusal Mendis ended unbeaten on 56 of 43 as Sri Lanka ended up with 163/6 at the end of the first innings.
It was a solid effort from the home side. For Ireland, they were on top but the last four overs went bad and they were punished. Chasing a target of 163, Ireland lost their captain Paul Stirling early as he was dismissed for six. But Ross Adair took the attack to the opposition smashing 34 runs of 23 balls before getting dismissed. Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker got them back into good position with a handy partnership.
The platform was set by the duo as Ireland needed 51 to win of the last 5 overs with five wickets in hand. Harry Tector lost his wicket for 40 at a crucial time. The lower middle order collapsed as Ireland went from 113/3 to 126/7. It was always going to be difficult from there and Sri Lanka managed to close tout the innings well as Ireland were bowled out for 143 and Sri Lanka won the match by 20 runs.
