Ireland vs Sri Lanka 2016, 2nd ODI at Dublin, Predictions and Preview: Visitors aim for series win

IRE vs SL 2016, 2nd ODI at Dublin: Predictions and Preview

After a positive start to the ODI campaign, visitors Sri Lanka are all set to lock horns with hosts Ireland for the 2nd ODI at The Village, Dublin on Saturday. Sri Lanka bounced back after 2-0 Test series loss against England and crushed Ireland with their all-round performance in the first ODI. Ireland did show glimpses of their batting and bowling prowess as well, but it was the visitors-show all the way. Sri Lanka registered facile victory, thanks to their debutante Dasun Shanaka for his fifer and also some handy runs in the lower middle-order. However, Ireland also had their new comer Barry McCarthy, who was useful and took wickets at regular intervals. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Ireland vs Sri Lanka 2016, 2nd ODI at Dublin

Despite Tillkaratne Dilshan’s absence, the top-order looked in sync as the opening pair of Kusal Perera and Danushka Gunathilaka started off well. Kusal Mendis at No.3 also played his part as he scored a half-century. Considering the fact that Sri Lanka’s top order batted well, changes for the 2nd ODI seem unlikely. Skipper Angelo Mathews might have missed out on his half-century, but he covered it up with the ball in his hands, grabbing two wickets for his side. Although, it was Dinesh Chandimal’s unbeaten knock of 100 that was the stand-out performance for Sri Lanka. Chandimal might also play a key role in the final ODI match, as the visitors aim for their first series win in the tour. Meanwhile, Shanaka has also shown what he can do with the bat. His batting potential was for all to see, with his knock of 42-runs from just 19 balls.

Sri Lanka have impressed not just with their batting but also their bowling. The bowlers stepped up to the task of taking wickets when Ireland could have come back into the game. In spite of their veteran bowler Rangana Herath missing out, the bowlers put up a stellar performance. With two new bowlers in their side — Dhananjaya de Silva and Shanaka, who also picked up a five-wicket haul, the visitors still managed to pick 10 wickets. Sri Lanka will definitely want to give another chance to these new comers. Meanwhile, their experienced bowlers, Nuwan Pradeep, Seekkuge Prasanna and Shaminda Eranga, also played their part with one wicket apiece. Farveez Maharoof, might get a chance to play in the next match, with the ODI series against England round the corner. He will be looking to make his mark if he gets the chance. ALSO READ: Sri Lanka vs Ireland, 2016: Dasun Shanaka records 5 for 43 on debut

In hindsight, Ireland were gutted as well with their opening pair of Paul Stirling and skipper William Porterfield. Kevin O’Brien and Porterfield did look good when they were at the crease. Their main batsmen will have to take charge for scoring the majority of runs. Niall O’Brien’s calf injury has kept keep him out of the next game as well. Their ace player Ed Joyce also could not manage to get the right gaps and was gone for single digit this time. But Ireland should look to stick with what is their best batting order.

The bowling department had struggled against Chandimal’s exploits, but Boyd Rankin still made his presence felt with the two wickets he took. The other bowlers didn’t fare as well and were thrashed all around the park. But despite a poor show with the ball, Ireland should look to come back stronger and show the potential they posses.

Sri Lanka will aim to win the series at Dublin in the next match as the win will be a morale booster before heading into the ODI series against England. Also, it might erase memories of the Test series loss to the Englishmen. Ireland on the other hand, will look to put on a better show, and level it.

SQUADS:

Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (c), Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Upul Tharanga, Dhananjaya de Silva, Shaminda Eranga, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Dasun Shanaka, Farveez Maharoof, Suraj Randiv, Seekkuge Prasanna

Ireland: William Porterfield (c), George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Tim Murtagh, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson (c)

TIME: 10.45 Local | 09.45 Local | 15.15 IST

(Shruti Hariharan is a Content Writer with CricketCountry. You can follow her on Twitter at @Shruti_2890)