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Sri Lanka vs Ireland Live Commentary, Match 8, ICC World Twenty20, 2021, October 20, 2021

SL 171/7 (20)
Sri Lanka beat Ireland by 70 runs
IRE 101/10 (18.3)
Match over
Sri Lanka Inning Ireland Inning
0.0 : ... Match Day ...
Game 2 of the day is a very crucial clash, a game between two sides that one their first game and need just a win to make it through. Ireland will be taking on Sri Lanka. The Lankans are favorites to win this one but they’ll have their task cut out against an Ireland side that has a lot of quality. Stay tuned for the toss in a bit.
Both these teams won their last match thanks to their bowling but they are more than capable to put on a big score on the board. It will be interesting to see what the captain who wins the toss opts to do first. But expect a high-intensity bowling performance by both these sides yet again here.
Toss - Up goes the coin and it lands in favor of Ireland. They will bowl first.
Sri Lanka (Unchanged Playing XI) - Kusal Perera (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (C), Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara. 
Ireland (Playing XI) - Paul Stirling, Kevin O'Brien, Andy Balbirnie (C), Gareth Delany, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Neil Rock (WK), Simi Singh, Mark Adair, Josh Little, Craig Young (In for Benjamin White).
Andy Balbirnie, the skipper of Ireland, says that they will bowl first. Mentions that it is a night game and they would look to make use of the dew factor. Adds that they need to be smart irrespective of whether they are batting first or bowling. Finishes by saying that they have one change.
Dasun Shanaka, the skipper of Sri Lanka, says that it is a very good wicket. Adds that they will look to bat better in the Powerplay. Says that they are high on confidence due to their last win. Finishes by saying that they have the same side.
PITCH REPORT - Ian Bishop says the off side is a lot shorter, the leg side is a lot bigger and down the ground is with the wind, adds the wicket looks a belter. Simon Doull says the right-hander's leg side is the shorter part and he expects a lot of short balls. Ends by saying 180 might be needed.
The players of both teams walk out for their respective national anthems! First, it will be the national anthem of Ireland, followed by the anthem of Sri Lanka! We are done with the national anthems of both teams and the players of Ireland are in a huddle before striding out to the middle! Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka are the opening batters for Sri Lanka. Paul Stirling to start with the ball.
0.1 : Paul Stirling to Pathum Nissanka, Pathum Nissanka and Lanka are underway! Fuller and on middle, this is eased down to long on for one.
A decision for a clean catch has been sent upstairs. The soft signal from the on-field umpire is OUT! Gareth Delany at covers has put in a dive to catch the ball.
0.2 : Paul Stirling to Kusal Perera, OUT! TAKEN! That is a really good catch by Gareth Delany! Tossed up, on off. Perera chips it in the air towards covers. Gareth Delany dives forward and claims the catch. The soft signal is OUT and the TV umpire is called in. The TV umpire takes a look at it from multiple angles and then decides to stay with the on-field soft signal.
0.3 : Paul Stirling to Dinesh Chandimal, Tossed up, around off. Dinesh Chandimal eases it to long on for a single.
Dinesh Chandimal walks out to bat.
0.4 : Paul Stirling to Pathum Nissanka, Flatter ball, on middle and leg. Pathum Nissanka works it to long on to rotate the strike.
0.5 : Paul Stirling to Dinesh Chandimal, A half-tracker, outside off. Dinesh Chandimal drags it back to the bowler.
0.6 : Paul Stirling to Dinesh Chandimal, Quicker ball, around middle and leg. Dinesh Chandimal tucks it to the leg side to collect a run.
Who will bowl from the other end? Josh Little it is.
1.1 : Josh Little to Dinesh Chandimal, This one stays low! Shorter and outside off, Chandimal slashes but misses.
1.2 : Josh Little to Dinesh Chandimal, FOUR! Put away! Chandimal gets the first boundary of the game! Comes down the track and this is bowled wide outside off, Chandimal reaches out for it, he hits it through point for a boundary.
1.3 : Josh Little to Dinesh Chandimal, OUT! TIMBER! Two in two overs for Ireland and they are on a roll here. Little gets his revenge and Sri Lanka once again lose two in quick time and are in trouble. Wrong shot selection! Short and outside off, not very wide. Chandimal looks to cut, not enough room, he gets an inside edge back onto the stumps.
Avishka Fernando walks out to bat at number 4.
1.4 : Josh Little to Avishka Fernando, OUT! TIMBER! Two in two for Josh Little! This is a huge wicket as Avishka Fernando was the man in form for Sri Lanka. What a start this is for Ireland and Little is over the moon! Another length ball, this one comes back in a little after landing outside off. Fernando looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the off pole. On a hat-trick is Little.
Wanindu Hasaranga is the new man in.
1.5 : Josh Little to Wanindu Hasaranga, That is a very good delivery but Wanindu Hasaranga does well to block it. No hat-trick! Length and on off, Hasaranga gets right behind the line and defends.
1.6 : Josh Little to Wanindu Hasaranga, WIDE! Very well done by the keeper! This is way down the leg side, swings away further. Hasaranga lets it be. The keeper dives to his left and gets a hand to it. Saves four runs.
Josh Little to Wanindu Hasaranga, A dot to end then! A really good over by Little. Two wickets in it. On off, blocked.
2.1 : Craig Young to Pathum Nissanka, Outstanding fielding! The fielders are close in, stopping the singles. Shorter and on off, this is played towards point where the fielder dives and stops it.
2.2 : Craig Young to Pathum Nissanka, On middle, Pathum pushes it to mid on.
2.3 : Craig Young to Pathum Nissanka, On middle, defended again.
2.4 : Craig Young to Pathum Nissanka, A single now! On middle, Nissanka works it towards mid-wicket for one.
2.5 : Craig Young to Wanindu Hasaranga, That one hits low on the bat! On off, stays low. Hasaranga looks to drive but it goes off the bottom back to the bowler.
2.6 : Craig Young to Wanindu Hasaranga, A single to end another tidy over! Outside off, Wanindu Hasaranga slashes at it, it goes off the outside edge down to third man for one.
3.1 : Josh Little to Wanindu Hasaranga, Outside off, Hasaranga swings but misses.
3.2 : Josh Little to Wanindu Hasaranga, Fuller this time and on off, this is pushed to covers. Another dot.
3.3 : Josh Little to Wanindu Hasaranga, Just the one again! Outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.
3.4 : Josh Little to Pathum Nissanka, That hurried onto the batter! Shorter and on the body, Pathum Nissanka is late on the pull, he gets hit on the body. It rolls on the leg side. A leg bye.
3.5 : Josh Little to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! Lovely shot and very much-needed! Back of a length and on off, Wanindu Hasaranga stands tall and pushes it through covers. Boundary. Can this break the shackles?
3.6 : Josh Little to Wanindu Hasaranga, A dot to end! On off, this is guided to point.
Mark Adair comes into the attack.
4.1 : Mark Adair to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Welcome runs for Pathum Nissanka now! Edgy four but Sri Lanka won't care! Full and outside off, Nissanka goes after it, it flies off the outside edge and down to the third man fence.
4.2 : Mark Adair to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Just used the pace there! Lovely stroke and this is not what Ireland wanted. Outside off, Nissanka guides it past point. Races away. Two boundaries in a row.
4.3 : Mark Adair to Pathum Nissanka, Good length and on off, blocked.
4.4 : Mark Adair to Pathum Nissanka, Good length and on off, PN plays it late and down to third man for one.
4.5 : Mark Adair to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! Third boundary in the over! All the pressure that was building has been eased off now. A full one on middle, this is driven down to the long on fence.
4.6 : Mark Adair to Wanindu Hasaranga, A low full toss, on middle, it is pushed back to the bowler. A dot to end but the damage was done earlier on.
Simi Singh comes into the attack.
5.1 : Simi Singh to Pathum Nissanka, On middle, this is eased down to long on for one.
5.2 : Simi Singh to Wanindu Hasaranga, Hasaranga makes room and this is bowled fuller and on middle, Hasaranga hits it to mid off.
5.3 : Simi Singh to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! Cut away! Runs starting to flow now! Hasaranga makes room again, this is fired on middle, it is cut through point.
5.4 : Simi Singh to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! Up and over! A little too full and Wanindu Hasaranga puts it away! He makes room again, Singh tosses it up this time. Hasaranga lofts it over covers. Bags another boundary.
5.5 : Simi Singh to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! Smashed! This time he steps out, this is shorter and on off, it is slapped through covers. Another boundary.
5.6 : Simi Singh to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! Make that 4 in a row and the momentum has completely shifted now. On off, this is tossed up, it is lofted over covers. Boundary. End of the Powerplay. Sri Lanka are 47 for 3 after it.
6.1 : Curtis Campher to Pathum Nissanka, Length ball, on off. Pathum Nissanka punches it past covers for a couple of runs. 
0.0 : Curtis Campher comes to bowl.
6.2 : Curtis Campher to Pathum Nissanka, A single as this is tapped down to third man. 50 up for Sri Lanka.
6.3 : Curtis Campher to Wanindu Hasaranga, Short of a length, outside off. Wanindu Hasaranga guides it to deep cover for one.
6.4 : Curtis Campher to Pathum Nissanka, Length ball, on off. Tapped to mid-wicket for one.
6.5 : Curtis Campher to Wanindu Hasaranga, Another single as this is pushed to deep cover.
6.6 : Curtis Campher to Pathum Nissanka, Full ball, on the pads. Pathum Nissanka clips it past mid-wicket for one.
7.1 : Craig Young to Pathum Nissanka, On off, this is guided down to third man for one.
0.0 : Craig Young comes back to bowl. Just 2 runs came off his first over.
7.2 : Craig Young to Wanindu Hasaranga, On off, this is pushed to covers.
7.3 : Craig Young to Wanindu Hasaranga, On off, this is lofted down the ground, not off the middle for one.
7.4 : Craig Young to Pathum Nissanka, On off, this is pushed through covers for one.
7.5 : Craig Young to Wanindu Hasaranga, Lands safe! A slower one, on middle, Hasaranga is early in the loft, it lands away from the man at mid-wicket. Two taken.
7.6 : Craig Young to Wanindu Hasaranga, SIX! Over the fence! It is a long boundary but Hasaranga does not care! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled over the long on fence for a biggie. Spoils the over.
8.1 : Curtis Campher to Pathum Nissanka, A collision but no harm done! On the pads, Nissanka looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. They go for a run. The bowler goes for the ball and he collides with Wanindu Hasaranga. Leg bye signaled.
8.2 : Curtis Campher to Wanindu Hasaranga, Just short! Fuller and on off, Hasaranga looks to drive, this goes more off the outside edge but lands just short of Little who dives forward to collect it at the point region.
8.3 : Curtis Campher to Wanindu Hasaranga, Good length and on off, Wanindu guides it to point.
8.4 : Curtis Campher to Wanindu Hasaranga, Another dot! Yet another one on off, Hasaranga opens the face and plays it to point again.
8.5 : Curtis Campher to Wanindu Hasaranga, Fuller and outside off, this is driven through covers. Wanindu Hasaranga takes one and turns for the second but is sent back in time.
8.6 : Curtis Campher to Pathum Nissanka, A single to end! Outside off, this is played through point for one.
9.1 : Simi Singh to Pathum Nissanka, Tossed up, on off. Pathum Nissanka comes down the track and plays it to long on for one.
9.2 : Simi Singh to Wanindu Hasaranga, Just a single as this is played to long on.
9.3 : Simi Singh to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Pathum Nissanka gets in the attack now! Short ball, way outside off. He reverse-sweeps it to the third man fence.
9.2 : Wanindu Hasaranga gets his bat changed and also has his cap on now!
9.4 : Simi Singh to Pathum Nissanka, Darted on off. Clipped to deep mid-wicket for one.
9.5 : Simi Singh to Wanindu Hasaranga, Full ball, on off. Pushed down to long on for one.
9.6 : Simi Singh to Pathum Nissanka, Good running! Shorter ball, outside off. Pathum Nissanka pushes it wide of long on and gets a couple.
10.1 : Mark Adair to Wanindu Hasaranga, Full toss, around off. Wanindu Hasaranga pushes it to cover.
0.0 : Drinks break! Sri Lanka have managed to get back into the game after having lost 3 wickets for just 8 runs, thanks to some sensible batting from Wanindu Hasaranga and Pathum Nissanka! They would be hoping that these two bat deep and take them to a good total now! Mark Adair is back on.
10.2 : Mark Adair to Wanindu Hasaranga, Slower ball, shorter in length, outside off. Hasaranga cuts it to backward point.
10.3 : Mark Adair to Wanindu Hasaranga, Three dots in a row! Good-length ball, outside off. Hasaranga drives on the up but finds the extra cover fielder.
10.4 : Mark Adair to Wanindu Hasaranga, Full ball, outside off. Wanindu Hasaranga makes room on the off side to drive it through covers. He gets the outer half of the bat and the ball goes to the sweeper cover fielder. A single taken!
10.5 : Mark Adair to Pathum Nissanka, Length ball, around off. Pathum Nissanka pushes it to mid off and scampers through for a quick run.
10.6 : Mark Adair to Wanindu Hasaranga, Swing and a miss! Adair bangs it into the deck, outside off. Wanindu Hasaranga skips down to pull but he misses out. Just 2 runs off the over!
11.1 : Curtis Campher to Pathum Nissanka, Fuller and on off, this is played to covers.
11.2 : Curtis Campher to Pathum Nissanka, SIX! That is one of the best shots so far! Lovely! Fuller and outside off, this is lofted over covers by Pathum Nissanka. It goes all the way. Welcome biggie as the pressure just started to build.
11.3 : Curtis Campher to Pathum Nissanka, Direct hit but the batter is well in! Fuller and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket. Two taken.
11.4 : Curtis Campher to Pathum Nissanka, Fuller and on off, Pathum pushes it to covers and they take one. Quick running.
11.5 : Curtis Campher to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! Quality stroke! Back of a length, outside off. Wanindu Hasaranga carves it over point. The man in the deep runs to his left and slides but cannot stop the ball.
11.6 : Curtis Campher to Wanindu Hasaranga, Back of a length, outside off. Wanindu Hasaranga pulls it to wide of deep mid-wicket to collect a couple.
Craig Young (2-0-13-0) is back on. But there is a slight halt in play as Wanindu Hasaranga is getting attended to by the physio.
12.1 : Craig Young to Pathum Nissanka, DROPPED! Good-length ball, outside off. Pathum Nissanka hits it hard to Andy Balbirnie at covers who drops a tough one! A single taken.
12.2 : Craig Young to Wanindu Hasaranga, Length ball, angling in around off. Wanindu Hasaranga blocks it to cover and takes a single.
12.3 : Craig Young to Pathum Nissanka, Full ball, on off. Pathum Nissanka drills it to mid off and collects a run.
12.4 : Craig Young to Wanindu Hasaranga, Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Wanindu Hasaranga drives it to deep point for one.
12.5 : Craig Young to Pathum Nissanka, NOT OUT! Leg bye! Length ball, jagging back in from middle and leg. Pathum Nissanka misses his flick and gets rapped on the pads. The ball rolls away towards backward point and Nissanka looks to sneak in a leg bye but Hasaranga sends him back. The fielder at point has a shy at the striker's end but he misses. The batters cross for a leg bye! Ireland opt for a review but the Ball Tracker shows that the ball would have just clipped the bails and it is umpire
Review time. Ireland have reviewed this for LBW. There is no bat on that one. It is umpire's call on hitting!
12.6 : Craig Young to Wanindu Hasaranga, Short of a length, outside off. Wanindu Hasaranga cuts it to deep cover for a couple. A lovely shot to get to his fifty and this has been a sensational knock from him so far.
Change. Simi Singh (2-0-27-0) is back on.
13.1 : Simi Singh to Pathum Nissanka, Flatter ball, on middle. Pathum Nissanka flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple.
13.2 : Simi Singh to Pathum Nissanka, Quicker ball, on middle. Pathum Nissanka tucks it to the leg side for a run.
13.3 : Simi Singh to Wanindu Hasaranga, Tossed up, outside off. Wanindu Hasaranga carves it past covers and takes a couple of runs.
13.6 : Simi Singh to Wanindu Hasaranga, Floated, around middle. Hasaranga lofts it towards long on for a single.
13.5 : Simi Singh to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! Punished by Hasaranga! A full toss, around off. Wanindu Hasaranga carves it past point for yet another boundary.
13.4 : Simi Singh to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! Nicely done! Fuller in length, around off. Wanindu Hasaranga gets low and opens the face of his bat. The ball goes past the diving short third man fielder and into the fence.
14.1 : Curtis Campher to Wanindu Hasaranga, Short of a length, outside off. Wanindu Hasaranga backs away and punches it past covers to collect two runs.
14.2 : Curtis Campher to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! Top shot! A slower ball, on a length, around off. Wanindu Hasaranga gets down on his knee and goes inside out over extra cover for a boundary.
14.3 : Curtis Campher to Wanindu Hasaranga, Short ball, outside off. Wanindu Hasaranga looks to cut but he gets the underedge and the ball goes to Josh Little at short third man. There is a mix-up between the batters and Hasaranga scampers through towards the non-striker's end. Little throws it to the bowler but Curtis Campher fails to collect it cleanly and Hasaranga survives.
14.4 : Curtis Campher to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! EDGY! Short ball, outside off. Pathum Nissanka goes for the pull but it goes off the top edge and into the fine leg fence.
14.5 : Curtis Campher to Pathum Nissanka, Length ball, outside off. Pathum Nissanka drives it to deep cover for one.
14.6 : Change. Mark Adair (2-0-15-0) is back on.
15.1 : Mark Adair to Pathum Nissanka, Length ball, on leg. Pathum Nissanka tucks it to the leg side for a single. He brings up his fifty now!
14.6 : Curtis Campher to Wanindu Hasaranga, On a length, outside off. Wanindu Hasaranga drives it to the left of the sweeper cover and collects a couple of runs.
15.2 : Bhanuka Rajapaksa walks out to bat.
Mark Adair to Wanindu Hasaranga, OUT! CAUGHT! A brilliant knock from Wanindu Hasaranga comes to an end! He has got his side out of trouble and his teammates would surely acknowledge this effort! Full-length ball, around off. Hasaranga looks to go over cover but it goes off the thick outside edge. The ball goes straight to Josh Little at short third man who gulps it down! Mark Adair is pumped up and Ireland would look to pull things back now.
15.3 : Mark Adair to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Full ball, on off. Pushed past covers for one.
15.4 : Mark Adair to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! What placement! On a length, outside off. Pathum Nissanka takes a step down the track, opens the face of the bat and runs the ball between short third man and backward point for a boundary.
15.5 : Mark Adair to Pathum Nissanka, Length ball, on off. Pathum Nissanka gets the inside edge on the pads. The ball rolls away and they set off for one. Nissanka runs into the bowler and the single is taken with ease. It was called a dead ball, but the umpires have changed their mind. It will be a dot ball in the end.
15.6 : Mark Adair to Pathum Nissanka, Full ball, on the pads. Pathum Nissanka looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls away and they take a leg bye.
Josh Little (2-0-10-2) comes back to bowl.
16.1 : Josh Little to Pathum Nissanka, A full toss, way outside off. Left alone and called a wide.
Josh Little to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Edgy boundary! Full ball, on off. Pathum Nissanka goes for the drive but gets the outside edge. The ball runs to the third man fence.
16.2 : Josh Little to Pathum Nissanka, A low full toss, outside off. Hit down the ground. The man from mid on gets to his left and stops the ball.
16.3 : Josh Little to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Yorker, outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa gets no bat on it.
16.4 : Josh Little to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, OUT! TAKEN! It is hit well, but not well enough! Full ball, on the pads. Bhanuka Rajapaksa flicks it in the air. The man at deep mid-wicket, Harry Tector, settles under it and takes it.
Dasun Shanaka walks out to bat.
16.5 : Josh Little to Pathum Nissanka, Leg bye! Full ball, outside off. Pathum Nissanka moves across and looks to scoop but he misses and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls behind the sticks and they take a leg bye!
16.6 : Josh Little to Dasun Shanaka, A yorker, on off. Pushed to covers for a quick single.
17.1 : Craig Young to Dasun Shanaka, On a length, on off. Dasun Shanaka misses the flick.
17.2 : Craig Young to Dasun Shanaka, Back of a length, on the pads. Clipped to fine leg for a single.
17.3 : Craig Young to Pathum Nissanka, Short of the fielder! Full ball, on off. Pathum Nissanka hits it in the air to long on. The fielder runs in to take the catch but in the end, takes it on the bounce. One taken.
0.0 : Craig Young (3-0-19-0) comes back to bowl.
17.4 : Craig Young to Dasun Shanaka, Just a single as this is drilled to mid off.
17.5 : Craig Young to Pathum Nissanka, Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Heaved to deep mid-wicket for one.
17.6 : Craig Young to Dasun Shanaka, Short ball, on off. Dasun Shanaka walks down the track to pull but gets the top edge. The ball goes behind the bowler, who chases it and keeps it to one.
18.1 : Josh Little to Dasun Shanaka, FOUR! That is hit so hard! On a length, on leg. Shanaka walks down the track and pulls it to the mid-wicket fence. The TV umpire is called in and the replays show that the ball bounces just before the ropes. Boundary.
18.2 : Josh Little to Dasun Shanaka, Full ball, outside off. Heaved to mid on for one.
18.3 : Josh Little to Pathum Nissanka, Full ball, outside off. Pathum Nissanka misses the flick. The keeper fails to collect and they get a bye.
18.4 : Josh Little to Dasun Shanaka, Length ball, outside off. Dasun Shanaka hits it down to long off for one.
18.5 : Josh Little to Pathum Nissanka, OUT! TAKEN! A really good knock by Pathum Nissanka ends as he chases a wide one! Full and way outside off. He chases it and gets the outside edge. Neil Rock takes the catch behind the stumps.
Chamika Karunaratne walks out now.
18.6 : Josh Little to Chamika Karunaratne, Excellent delivery to end the spell! Yorker, on off. Hit back to Josh Little, who finishes with brilliant figures of 4-0-23-4.
Mark Adair will bowl the last over of the innings.
19.1 : Mark Adair to Dasun Shanaka, Full ball, on off. Hit down to long off for one.
19.2 : Mark Adair to Chamika Karunaratne, On a length, outside off. Heaved wide of long on and the batters scamper back for the second.
19.3 : Mark Adair to Chamika Karunaratne, OUT! BOWLED! A screeching yorker, on off. Chamika Karunaratne looks to heave it but misses. The ball hits the stumps. That is the 50th wicket for Mark Adair in T20Is!
Dushmantha Chameera is the new man in.
19.4 : Mark Adair to Dushmantha Chameera, A full toss, on the pads. Whipped to deep square leg for one.
19.5 : Mark Adair to Dasun Shanaka, SIX! That is huge! Mark Adair bowls a short and one slower one. Dasun Shanaka is waiting for it and then pulls it way, way over the mid-wicket fence.
19.6 : Mark Adair to Dasun Shanaka, FOUR! That is played so well! A full one, on leg. Dasun Shanaka gets into position and scoops it over the short fine leg fielder for a boundary. Sri Lanka end at 171 for 7!
Josh Little is down for a chat. He says that he is feeling pretty good and the score is about par. Adds that there is not much swing here but they adapted quite well by changing things up. Credits Wanindu Hasaranga for the way he batted.
Now though, they need to concentrate on their batting. The target is a big one, not going to be easy to chase this down and they will need the big guns to come to the fore. Sri Lanka will back themselves to get over the line. Join us for the chase shortly.
The Irish bowling was good at the start courtesy of Josh Little and good at the end but the middle period could cost them the game. The likes of Mark Adair, Simi Singh and Curtis Campher just were not upto the mark and they just let the game slip away. Ireland will be very disappointed they let Sri Lanka off the hook.
It was Wanindu Hasaranga who emerged as the hero for Sri Lanka! He was promoted up the order and he played a knock to remember. He along with Pathum Nissanka got things back on track with a brilliant counter-attacking partnership. Within no time, Sri Lanka were back on top. They added over 120 with both scoring fifties. However, once they fell, Ireland did manage to pull things back a little but Sri Lanka will be pretty pleased.
What a first innings did we just witness! Full of action! Have to say Sri Lanka will be the happier of the two, especially after they were 8 for 3. 
... THE RUN CHASE ...
0.1 : Chamika Karunaratne to Paul Stirling, Ireland and Stirling are underway! Length and on middle, this is worked to mid on for one.
0.2 : Chamika Karunaratne to Kevin O'Brien, FOUR! Cracked away! Shorter and outside off, a gift for Kevin O'Brien. He cuts it through point for a boundary. Good start for Kevin O'Brien.
0.3 : Chamika Karunaratne to Kevin O'Brien, Follows the boundary with a single as he works it through square leg.
0.4 : Chamika Karunaratne to Paul Stirling, Stirling gives the charge, this is on a length and around off, it is pushed to covers.
0.5 : Chamika Karunaratne to Paul Stirling, PUT DOWN! That could prove very costly! This is short and on middle, Stirling looks to pull, one hand comes off the handle. It goes towards deep mid-wicket. Bhanuka Rajapaksa runs to his left and looks to take it with the slide but fails to do so. Can Stirling make them pay?
0.6 : Chamika Karunaratne to Kevin O'Brien, WIDE! The keeper did really well! Down the leg side, left alone. The keeper dives to his left, gets a hand to it. Saves a boundary for his side.
Chamika Karunaratne to Kevin O'Brien, OUT! TAKEN THIS TIME! Maheesh Theekshana does not make a mistake! He never looked comfortable under it but hung on. Short and on middle, extra bounce. Kevin looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes towards short fine leg where the fielder settles under it and takes it. Early wicket for Lanka, just what they wanted.
Andy Balbirnie is the new man in. Also, Dushmantha Chameera to bowl from the other end.
1.1 : Dushmantha Chameera to Andy Balbirnie, That is a beauty! Length and it lands outside off and hags back in. Andy looks to drive but it cuts him into half and goes over middle pole.
1.2 : Dushmantha Chameera to Andy Balbirnie, On middle, solidly kept out.
1.3 : Dushmantha Chameera to Andy Balbirnie, On middle, this is nudged on the leg side for one.
1.4 : Dushmantha Chameera to Paul Stirling, Fortunate run! On off, Stirling swings, it goes off the inside edge past the off pole and down to the fine leg fielder for one.
1.5 : Dushmantha Chameera to Andy Balbirnie, That was quick! Short and on middle, Andy moves out of the way.
1.6 : Dushmantha Chameera to Andy Balbirnie, FOUR! Fortunate again! Another really sharp bumper, Balbirnie plays a duck-pull. He first tries to duck but then looks to pull, it goes off the top edge and down to the fine leg fence.
2.1 : Maheesh Theekshana to Paul Stirling, On middle, this is worked to square leg.
0.0 : Maheesh Theekshana comes to bowl.
2.2 : Maheesh Theekshana to Paul Stirling, FOUR! Stirling will continue to attack! He brings the sweep out. It is angled into his pads and hence, an easy shot. It goes over square leg for a boundary.
2.3 : Gareth Delany walks out to bat.
2.4 : Maheesh Theekshana to Gareth Delany, On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.
2.5 : Maheesh Theekshana to Gareth Delany, Flatter and on middle, defended again.
2.3 : Maheesh Theekshana to Paul Stirling, OUT! Straight to the man! Stirling does not last for long despite given a life. He looks to play the sweep again, this time shuffles across, this is bowled full and on middle, he tries to help it past short fine leg but finds the fielder there. Ireland in huge trouble now.
2.6 : Maheesh Theekshana to Gareth Delany, Shorter and outside off, this is cut through point for two.
Lahiru Kumara comes into the attack.
3.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Andy Balbirnie, That swung a long way! It lands outside off and jags back in. Andy looks to drive but is beaten on the inside edge.
3.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Andy Balbirnie, On off, Andy guides it to point.
3.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Andy Balbirnie, FOUR BYES! Big, big turn again! Shorter and outside off, this one jags back in again. Cuts Andy Balbirnie into half as it goes past the inside edge. Keeps swinging away as it beats the batter. Perera dives to his left but has no chance.
3.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Andy Balbirnie, Good length and on off, defended.
3.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Andy Balbirnie, SIX! He stepped on the ropes while taking the catch! That is yet another sharp bumper, Balbirnie is beaten for pace as he tris to pull. It goes off the top edge towards fine leg. The fielder takes it but he is not sure whether he has stepped on the ropes or not. It is taken upstairs and replays show he has.
3.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Andy Balbirnie, A yorker now on middle, Balbirnie jams it out to mid on.
3.5 : A decision has been sent upstairs to check whether Chamika Karunaratne has taken the catch cleanly. The soft signal is NOT OUT as the on-field umpire feels Karunaratne's feet touched the ropes while taking the catch.
3.6 : Wanindu Hasaranga comes to bowl.
4.1 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Andy Balbirnie, Tossed up, on middle. Andy Balbirnie tucks it to the leg side for a run.
4.2 : Curtis Campher walks out to bat.
4.3 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Curtis Campher, Flatter ball, around middle. Curtis Campher looks to cut but it goes off the inner half of the bat.
4.2 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Gareth Delany, OUT! BOWLED! Wanindu Hasaranga strikes in his first over and Ireland are in a spot of bother now! He hurls a googly, around off, turning in sharply. Gareth Delany stays  back to cut but he is cramped for room and misses. The ball crashes onto his middle stump.
4.4 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Curtis Campher, Tossed up, outside off. Curtis Campher drives it back to the bowler.
4.5 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Curtis Campher, Just a tad short, outside off. Curtis Campher cuts it to cover.
4.6 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Curtis Campher, Flatter ball, around off. Curtis Campher eases it to long off and takes a run. Just 1 run and a wicket off the over!
5.1 : Dushmantha Chameera to Curtis Campher, On middle, defended.
5.2 : Dushmantha Chameera to Curtis Campher, FOUR! That races away! Length and on off, Curtis uses the pace of the bowler and guides it past the slip fielder and down to the third man fence.
5.3 : Dushmantha Chameera to Curtis Campher, Outside off, Curtis slashes but misses.
5.4 : Dushmantha Chameera to Curtis Campher, FOUR! Beautiful shot! Welcome boundary! Fuller and on off, this is hit down the ground, past mid off for a boundary. Second in three balls.
5.5 : Dushmantha Chameera to Curtis Campher, BEATEN FOR PACE! Short again and outside off, Campher looks to pull but misses.
5.6 : Dushmantha Chameera to Curtis Campher, Another short one, Campher looks to pull again but misses. End of the first 6, Ireland are 41 for 3.
6.1 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Andy Balbirnie, Almost another one! On off, the googly, Andy looks to push it through covers but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
6.2 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Andy Balbirnie, On middle, defended.
6.3 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Andy Balbirnie, PUT DOWN! Another life for Andy Balbirnie! He tries to play the reverse sweep but fails to ride on top of the bounce. It goes off the splice, the point fielder dives forward, gets two hands to it but spills it.
6.5 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Curtis Campher, On off, this is eased down to long off for one.
6.4 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Curtis Campher, On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.
6.6 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Andy Balbirnie, Another dot to end! On middle, Andy flicks it to mid-wicket.
7.1 : Chamika Karunaratne to Curtis Campher, That is a beauty! A yorker on the pads, Curtis looks to jam it out but misses. It hits the pad and goes on the leg side. A leg bye. Going down leg.
7.2 : Chamika Karunaratne to Andy Balbirnie, On off, this is pushed to mid off.
7.3 : Chamika Karunaratne to Andy Balbirnie, SIX! Smashed! That was right off the middle. Brilliant shot! Shorter and on middle, Andy hangs back and hammers the pull, well over the mid-wicket fence. 50 up.
0.0 : Chamika Karunaratne (1-0-8-1) is back on.
7.4 : Chamika Karunaratne to Andy Balbirnie, Shorter again, this is pulled, flat towards deep square leg for one.
7.5 : Chamika Karunaratne to Curtis Campher, Shorter and slower outside off, Campher tries to cut but misses.
7.6 : Chamika Karunaratne to Curtis Campher, A single to end as this short one is hit through square leg.
8.1 : Maheesh Theekshana to Curtis Campher, On middle, Campher pushes it back to the bowler.
8.2 : Maheesh Theekshana to Curtis Campher, Plays the sweep, not right off the middle, it goes off the glove towards fine leg for one.
8.3 : Maheesh Theekshana to Andy Balbirnie, Two more! On middle, this is worked wide of long on for two.
8.4 : Maheesh Theekshana to Andy Balbirnie, Shortish again and on off, Andy pushes it to covers.
8.5 : Maheesh Theekshana to Andy Balbirnie, A single now as Andy eases it through covers.
8.6 : Maheesh Theekshana to Curtis Campher, On middle, defended.
9.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Andy Balbirnie, On a length, around off. Andy Balbirnie pushes it past point for one.
0.0 : Lahiru Kumara comes back to bowl. 7 runs came off his first over!
9.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Curtis Campher, Play and a miss! Length ball, outside off. Curtis Campher is beaten while looking to drive it.
9.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Curtis Campher, FIVE RUNS! Free runs for Ireland! A yorker, on off. Curtis Campher digs it out to mid-wicket and takes off for a run. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Two men backing up cannot stop the ball and it runs to the fence.
9.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Andy Balbirnie, A full one, on off. Pushed past covers for one.
9.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Curtis Campher, On a length, outside off. Curtis Campher hits it past cover for one.
9.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Andy Balbirnie, A high full toss, on leg. Andy Balbirnie hits it to long on for one.
10.1 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Andy Balbirnie, Flatter ball, on off. Punched back to the bowler.
9.6 : Drinks break! Sri Lanka are well and truly top in this game at the moment and Ireland need their skipper, Andy Balbirnie to bat as long as possible and take his side close to the target. They do have wickets in hand but they certainly need to up the ante as the required rate is creeping up. Wanindu Hasaranga comes back to bowl.
10.2 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Andy Balbirnie, A googly, on off. Andy Balbirnie hits it past the diving cover fielder for one.
10.3 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Curtis Campher, Tossed up, on off. Curtis Campher sweeps it to fine leg for a couple.
10.4 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Curtis Campher, Shorter ball, on off. Hit to cover for a quick single.
10.5 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Andy Balbirnie, Loopy ball, on off. Andy Balbirnie drives it to the right of sweeper cover. The fielder runs across and dives to stop it. Two taken.
10.6 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Andy Balbirnie, Tossed up, on off. Hit back to the bowler.
11.1 : Chamika Karunaratne to Curtis Campher, Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Curtis Campher hits it to deep cover for one.
0.0 : Chamika Karunaratne (2-0-16-1) is back on.
11.2 : Chamika Karunaratne to Andy Balbirnie, Full ball, on off. Pushed to cover.
11.3 : Chamika Karunaratne to Andy Balbirnie, Just a single as Andy Balbirnie slices this full ball to deep cover.
11.4 : Chamika Karunaratne to Curtis Campher, Length ball, way outside off. Curtis Campher looks to reverse sweep but misses. Wide called.
Chamika Karunaratne to Curtis Campher, Full ball, on off. Heaved to deep mid-wicket for one.
11.5 : Chamika Karunaratne to Andy Balbirnie, FOUR! A much-needed boundary for the Irish! Full ball, outside off. Andy Balbirnie shuffles across and sweeps it past short fine leg for a boundary.
11.6 : Chamika Karunaratne to Andy Balbirnie, Short ball, on off. Andy Balbirnie backs away way too much and then reaches out for it. He plays it to long off for a couple.
Maheesh Theekshana comes back into the attack.
12.1 : Maheesh Theekshana to Curtis Campher, Darted on the pads. Curtis Campher gets hit on the pads while looking to sweep. The ball goes to short fine leg for one.
12.2 : Maheesh Theekshana to Andy Balbirnie, Tossed up, on off. Hit inside out to deep point for one.
12.3 : Maheesh Theekshana to Curtis Campher, Loopy ball, way outside off. Curtis Campher slices it over covers for one.
12.4 : Maheesh Theekshana to Andy Balbirnie, Shorter and on the pads. Pulled to deep square leg for one.
12.5 : Maheesh Theekshana to Curtis Campher, OUT! BOWLED! The struggle of Curtis Campher ends! He did not get going today! Tossed up, on middle. Curtis Campher goes for the sweep but misses. The ball clips the pads and goes onto hit the stumps.
12.6 : Maheesh Theekshana to Harry Tector, Flatter ball, on off. Tector works it to mid-wicket for one.
12.5 : Harry Tector is the new man in. 87 needed in 43 balls now.
12.6 : Lahiru Kumara (2-0-16-0) is back on.
13.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Tector, Length ball, on off. Tector drives it hard back to the bowler. Kumara gets his hands to it and stops it.
13.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Tector, Short ball, on leg. Tector miscues the pull. The ball goes to mid-wicket. Tector looks for one but is sent back.
13.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Tector, Full ball, on leg. Flicked past mid-wicket for a couple.
13.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Tector, A perfect yorker, on off. Tector hits it back to the bowler. Another dot and the pressure is building up for Ireland.
13.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Harry Tector, OUT! TAKEN! A tiny feather on it and Tector walks back! A short ball, down the leg side. Tector looks to pull but gets a tiny feather on it. Kusal Perera takes it with ease behind the stumps and Lahiru Kumara gets his first.
13.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Neil Rock, Full ball, on the pads. Rock flicks it past square leg for one.
13.5 : Neil Rock walks out now.
14.1 : Maheesh Theekshana to Neil Rock, Flatter ball, outside off. Rock misses the cut shot.
0.0 : A stumping decision has been sent upstairs as Kusal Perera looks confident behind the sticks.
14.2 : Maheesh Theekshana to Neil Rock, OUT! STUMPED! Brilliant work by Kusal Perera behind the stumps! Tossed up, on off. Rock goes for the sweep but misses. Kusal Perera whips the bails off and goes up in an appeal. The TV umpire is called in. It looks like the bails were taken off when Rock had his back leg just outside the crease. The TV umpire takes a few more looks at it and then gives Rock his marching orders.
Mark Adair is the new man in.
14.3 : Maheesh Theekshana to Mark Adair, Just a single as this is played to long on.
14.4 : Maheesh Theekshana to Andy Balbirnie, Tossed up, on off. Hit to deep cover for one.
14.5 : Maheesh Theekshana to Mark Adair, Loopy ball, on off. Adair comes down the track and hits it to long on for a single.
14.6 : Maheesh Theekshana to Andy Balbirnie, Dot to finish the spell! Full ball, just outside off. Andy Balbirnie gets no bat on it. Maheesh Theekshana ends with figures of 4-0-17-3!
Is that a run out? It is a direct hit and Mark Adair is the man in question. He is well short of the crease.
15.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Mark Adair, OUT! RUN OUT! A direct hit and Mark Adair is gone! Full ball, on off. He hits it to mid off and sets off for a run. Dushmantha Chameera runs in and fires a direct hit at the bowler's end. The TV umpire is called in and one replay shows that Adair is well short. Simi Singh walks out to bat.
15.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Andy Balbirnie, Full ball, outside off. Andy Balbirnie reaches out and digs it out towards third man for one.
15.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Simi Singh, Length ball, around middle. Simi Singh drills it towards long on to collect a single.
15.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Andy Balbirnie, OUT! CAUGHT! Ireland lose their skipper and that should be it for Sri Lanka! Full ball, outside off. Andy Balbirnie looks to carve it through covers but it takes the outer half of the bat and the ball goes straight to Avishka Fernando at backward point who takes a sharp catch.
15.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Craig Young, Leg bye! Length ball, on the pads. Craig Young misses his flick and the ball ricochets off his pads towards square leg. The batters cross for a leg bye!
15.4 : Who will bat now? Craig Young it is.
15.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Simi Singh, Full toss, outside off. Simi Singh drives it to deep cover for a run.
16.1 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Simi Singh, Flatter ball, down leg. Simi Singh tucks it to the leg side for a single.
0.0 : Change. Wanindu Hasaranga is back on.
16.2 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Craig Young, Nicely tossed up, around off. Craig Young looks to flick it but it goes off the inside edge onto his pads.
Is that a stumping? There is no bat on that one. Young has his back foot inside the crease.
16.4 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Craig Young, Tossed up, around middle. Craig Young tucks it to mid-wicket.
16.3 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Craig Young, NOT OUT! Tossed up, outside off. Craig Young looks to sweep but he misses. Kusal Perera behind the stumps whips the bails off. He puts in an appeal and the the decision is sent upstairs. Craig Young has his feet grounded though.
16.5 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Craig Young, Floated, around middle. Craig Young drills it to long on for one.
16.6 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Simi Singh, Tossed up, around off. Simi Singh hits it back to the bowler.
Change in bowling. Dushmantha Chameera (2-0-14-0) is back on.
17.1 : Dushmantha Chameera to Craig Young, OUT! BOWLED! You miss, I hit says Dushmantha Chameera! He hurls a full-length ball, around middle. Craig Young looks to heave it away but he misses and the ball crashes onto his stumps.
0.0 : Josh Little is the last Irish batter.
17.2 : Dushmantha Chameera to Josh Little, Full ball, around middle. Josh Little drills it to long on to get off the mark with one.
17.3 : Dushmantha Chameera to Simi Singh, Length ball, on off. Simi Singh looks to heave it away but it goes off the inner half to mid-wicket.
17.5 : Dushmantha Chameera to Simi Singh, Length ball, around middle and leg. Simi Singh turns it to the leg side for a single. Ireland bring up their 100!
17.4 : Dushmantha Chameera to Simi Singh, Nearly chopped on! Good-length ball, outside off. Simi Singh looks to slog hard but he gets an inside edge onto his pads.
17.6 : Dushmantha Chameera to Josh Little, Swing and a miss! Full ball, outside off. Josh Little looks to hoick it over long on but he fails to get any bat on it.
18.1 : Chamika Karunaratne to Simi Singh, Slower ball, on a length, down leg. Simi Singh misses his flick and the ball clips his pads before going to the keeper on the bounce.
18.2 : Chamika Karunaratne to Simi Singh, Another slower ball, outside off. Simi Singh advances down the track and punches it to deep cover for one.
18.3 : Quite a clinical performance from the Lankans and they have confirmed their spot in the Super 12s in emphatic fashion. A win by 70 runs is a big win in T20Is and they have completely dominated the game!
It was the combined effort from the Lankan bowlers. The pacers bowled with fire and got early wickets. The spinners squeezed the runs and were also amongst the wickets. Maheesh Theekshana was the pick of the bowlers with his 3 wickets. Lahiru Kumara and Chamika Karunaratne were very impressive and took 2 each. The rest of the bowlers took 1 each and it was a team performance by them.
Wanindu Hasaranga, Player of the Match, says when he went out to bat they were 3 down for just 8 runs and he was under pressure. Adds that he wanted to rotate the strike for the first few balls and looked to capitalize after getting a start. Tells that he considers himself a batting all-rounder and he could be seen batting at number 5 quite consistently. In the end, he thanks the Sri Lankan supporters in Sinhalese.
A target of 172 was always going to be a tough task and it got even tougher after Ireland lost three wickets in the Powerplay. Andy Balbirnie and Curtis Campher then put up a 50-run stand but it was at a slow pace. The required run rate kept going up and when the time came to accelerate, Campher fell. Once he fell, it was a procession. Just the two batters crossed the 10-run mark and with that scorecard, it is not possible to chase a big total.
Chamika Karunaratne to Josh Little, OUT! BOWLED! There it is! Chamika Karunaratne gets the last wicket and Ireland are bundled out for 101! A full toss, around middle and leg. Josh Little moves across to scoop it over short fine leg but he misses it completely and the ball crashes onto his stumps. Sri Lanka WIN THE MATCH BY 70 RUNS!
Earlier in the day, after electing to field, Ireland had Sri Lanka on the mat at 8 for 3. They let the advantage slip as some poor bowling and poor decisions saw Sri Lanka get to 171 courtesy of some fine batting from Wanindu Hasaranga and Pathum Nissanka. That proved to be a lot for the Irish as they were bundled out for one more than a ton.
Dasun Shanaka, the skipper of Sri Lanka, says that they were concerned after losing early wickets but the partnership between Wanindu Hasaranga and Pathum Nissanka was awesome. Adds that it is a great luxury to have such quality pace bowlers, especially in T20s and he is happy seeing them bowl with such pace. Signs off by saying that they would look to bat well in the next game as the top order is still a concern for them.
That is all we have from this game! The action continues on 21st October and we have two more games coming up. Papua New Guinea will take on Bangladesh in the first clash of the day at 2 pm Local (10 am GMT). Later, Oman will face off against Scotland at 6 pm Local (2 pm GMT). Do join us for the same. Till then, take care and goodbye!
Andy Balbirnie, the Irish skipper is down for a chat, he says that Sri Lanka played really well and came back really strongly. Adds that Josh Little was brilliant with the new ball and they were excited when they had Sri Lanka at 8 for 3. Says that the game against Namibia is a knockout game and they are looking forward to it. Hopes that a lot of people will watch that match.