Published: Jun 18, 2016, 03:00 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 18, 2016, 05:13 PM (IST)
After positive start of ODI campaign, Sri Lanka are set to take on Ireland for final ODI clash at Dublin on Saturday. All the live updates of the match will be available here. 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 a 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. LIVE 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.
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. IRE vs SL 2016, Live Cricket Score, 2nd ODI at Dublin
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.
