Sri Lanka begin their World Cup against Ireland having had a poor lead-in. A 3–0 home series defeat to England exposed problems in both batting and bowling, and the hosts have plenty to put right. There were positives, though: Pathum Nissanka scored 80 runs in the series at a strike rate of 148, and Kusal Mendis was the side’s top run-getter with 95 at 151. Charith Asalanka and Pavan Rathnayake are expected to back up Mendis in the middle overs.
With the ball, Dushmantha Chameera has been the standout this season, taking 13 wickets in seven matches at an average of 9.66, and he and Matheesha Pathirana will look to strike early against Ireland’s top order. The main concern is Wanindu Hasaranga, whose poor series against England was a significant factor in the whitewash. Sri Lanka need their lead spinner back to form quickly.
Ireland arrive with a balanced squad and the confidence of a 2–1 warm-up series win over Italy. Harry Tector made 150 runs in three games at a strike rate of 143 in that series, and Paul Stirling, with 3,888 T20I runs, remains the most influential batter. Mark Adair and Matthew Humphreys took 11 wickets between them against Italy, and Gareth Delany’s spin could be useful in Colombo.
