Sri Lanka cruised to a nine-wicket victory over Ireland in their Super 12s opener at the T20 World Cup in Hobart. Kusal Mendis smashed an unbeaten 68 from 43 balls as Sri Lanka secured victory with five overs to spare.
Ireland earlier limped to 128-8, with top-scorer Harry Tector, who hit 45 off 42, one of only three players to reach double figures.
Sri Lanka’s spinners were particularly impressive, with Maheesh Theekshana taking 2-19 and Wanindu Hasaranga 2-25.
The result means Sri Lanka sit second in the early Group One table as one of three teams on two points, with New Zealand top and England third on net run rate.
“I’m really happy about the way we played the game – we wanted to play as a team and everyone contributed,” said Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka.
“We knew coming into this game spinners will play a major part. We used that tactic in this game and are looking forward to keep using this tactic.
“Mendis has been consistent and plays according to the situation most of the time. That’s high class batting and the consistency that Sri Lanka needed and now we’ve got that.”
The 2014 champions now travel to Perth for a match against holders Australia on Tuesday. Ireland take on England at Melbourne the following day. (BBC Sport)
