It was far from convincing, but two points are two points, whichever way they come. Batting first, Sri Lanka seemed to be struggling till the 16th over but Kamindu Mendis’s 44 off 19 and Kusal Mendis’ 56* off 43 lifted them to a competitive 163 for 6.
Ireland started strongly and when Hasaranga looked in discomfort after bowling just two balls, Ireland seemed the favourites. But Hasaranga carried on, taking three key wickets. Theekshana was equally impressive, taking three of his own to derail Ireland’s chase. In the end, they were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs, letting go of a golden opportunity.
Curtis Campher becomes Hasaranga’s third victim. He finishes with figures of 3 for 25 – at one stage, when he had bowled just balls, it looked like he might not be able to continue. But he carried on, bowling with little follow-through, but taking three key wickets to put his team on the cusp of victory. Ireland need need 36 from two overs.
