SL vs IRE: Defiant Sri Lanka ousted Ireland by 10 runs in the second test match of the series to anchor a decisive 2-0 series whitewash. Sri Lanka displayed a stunning all-around show throughout the series to outplay the touring party. Winning the toss at the Galle International Stadium, Ireland skipper Andrew Balbirnie made an unfortunate decision to bat first. Batting first, Ireland posted a commanding 492-run total in their first innings after playing 145.2 overs.
Ireland was off to a sluggish start after losing McCollum (10), Moor (5), and Hector (18) early on in the innings. Coming to the rescue, skipper Andrew Balbirnie (95) and centurion Paul Stirling (103) powered a stunning 143-run stand for the third wicket. Lorcan Tucker (80) and Curtis Campher (111) also played vital knocks as Ireland neared the 500-run mark.
For Sri Lanka, Prabhat Jayasuriya (5/174) starred in the bowling attack with a splendid performance whereas Avishka Fernando and Vishwa Fernando claimed a couple of wickets each.
SL vs IRE: Sri Lanka’s exemplary batting helped them to sweep the series
Trailing by 492 runs, Sri Lanka retaliated with an absolutely phenomenal batting performance. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne (115) and Nishan Madushanka powered a scintillating 228 runs for the first wicket. Furthermore, the double-century duo of Madushanka (205) and Kusal Mendis (245) recorded an excellent match-winning partnership of 268 runs for the second wicket.
Angelo Mathews (100)* added cherry to the cake as Sri Lanka declared their innings on a whopping 704/3, taking a thumping 212 runs in the first innings. For Ireland, Hume, McBrine, and Campher chipped in a wicket apiece.
Trailing by 212 runs, Ireland was put out to bat on the final day of the game’s play but did not succeed in putting up a fightback. Ireland kept losing wickets at regular intervals and failed to build partnerships. Apart from Harry Tector (85) and Andrew Balbirnie (46), no other Irish batsman was able to play an impactful inning.
As a result, Ireland was restricted and bowled out in 202 and lost the game by 10 runs. For Sri Lanka, Ramesh Mendis was absolutely convincing as he led the bowling attack by claiming 5 wickets for 64 runs. Avishka Fernando (3/30) provided vital support whereas Prabhat Jayasuriya claimed a couple of wickets and became the fastest spinner to claim 50 wickets in the history of Test cricket.
Also read, PAK Vs NZ: Pakistan Outclass New Zealand In The First ODI To Take A 1-0 Lead
