Comfortable win for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka registered a 133-run win over Ireland in the 15th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 on Sunday at Bulawayo. Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie won the toss and opted to bowl first.
After losing the toss, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 325 runs in 49.5 overs. Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne made 48 runs for the first wicket until Nissanka was dismissed for 20 runs. In the very next ball, Kusal Mendis got out for a golden duck. After two wickets, Dimuth Karunaratne and Sadeera Samarawickrama rebuilt the innings and made a 168-run partnership for the third wicket. Sadeera Samarawickrama scored 82 runs. Dimuth Karunaratne was the top scorer with 103 runs. Charith Asalanka contributed with a quick 38 runs. Sri Lanka lost momentum at the back end of the innings and lost wickets at regular intervals. However, Dhananjaya de Silva scored a valuable unbeaten 42 runs.
In reply, Ireland batted out for 192 runs in 31 overs. Everyone got a start, but no one was able to make a big score. Curtis Campher was the top scorer with 39 runs, and Harry Tector scored 33 runs. Sri Lankan bowlers kept things tight and put pressure on Ireland’s batsmen. For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga claimed five wickets, while Maheesh Theekshaka took two.
With that win, Sri Lanka, Scotland, and Oman qualified for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers Super Six stage.
