Kusal Mendis’ 68 off 43 balls helped Sri Lanka register a 9-wicket win in opposition to Ireland of their opening match of the Super 12 of the 2022 T20 World Cup on Sunday. Struggling with accidents after a crushing loss to Namibia, the Lankans, who superior to the following stage, confirmed the sort of type that helped them clinch Asia Cup titles with ball and bat final month for India and Pakistan.
Chasing 133 after a scintillating bowling efficiency, Mendis scored his third consecutive match-winning knock after his heroics in opposition to the United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands, sustaining his aggressive mindset and defending the Irish bowling assault from the very first over. have been being taken. Dhananjaya de Silva’s 31 off 25 helped Sri Lanka make 50 for no loss within the powerplay as Mendis chased down Cherith Aslanka’s 22-ball 31.
Mendis’s skill to guide Sri Lanka’s batting line-up with all of the accidents was in query, however he has been central to Lanka’s resurgence within the World Cup after their loss to Namibia. His strategy is so measured that he has barely seemed misplaced each time he takes a danger – even when he chooses to not, there may be nonetheless an enormous danger in T20 cricket.
Brilliant innings from Kusal Mendis #SLVIR , , https://t.co/g8FzZKEP6r pic.twitter.com/DeCOXpZ1kJ
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His combine between practicality and aggression was good for a low run chase like in Hobart on Sunday – he hit two sixes on the leg facet within the fifteenth over. In the final three innings, he has proved that not solely does he have Sri Lanka’s batting on his shoulders, however he’s additionally one of many main batsmen on this yr’s World Cup.
SL with ruthless ball
Mendis, de Silva and Aslanka could have set a ruthless run chase, however Sri Lanka’s victory was primarily based on their wonderful efficiency with the ball within the first innings.
Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie confirmed their harmful energy within the opening powerplays once they knocked out West Indies earlier this week. But with opening spells from Binura Fernando and Lahiru Kumara, no room was allowed to get off to an analogous begin. The latter bowled solely two overs, however his contribution in knocking off Ireland captain Balbirnie and curbing the opening runs was enormous.
In the powerplay, Sri Lanka has commanded itself by taking two early wickets.#SLVIR |: https://t.co/g8FzZKEhgT
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Ireland can bat deep, and their middle-order batsman has gained them loads of matches, most lately an unbelievable partnership between George Dockrell and Curtis Camper – the latter’s 72 off 36 balls helped them win a match in opposition to Scotland final week. essential victory. But the harmful spinners of Sri Lanka, as all the time, didn’t give any scope for Ireland to maneuver.
Mahesh Thekshana additionally took a wicket contained in the powerplay, and it was troublesome to choose up Ireland’s batting order from high to backside, and Wanindu Hasiranga, who has emerged as their strongest middle-order menace, once more took two wickets. Even if it bought leaked. 25 runs within the course of.
Sri Lanka’s batting line-up could for the time being relaxation on the praises of Kusal Mendis, however their bowling assault is as formidable as a unit, every pitching on the proper time with wickets and good financial system. Their loss to Namibia could have been worrying, however a medical win over Ireland is additional proof that they continue to be a menace to the highest groups within the World Cup.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
