The number two side at the 2011 world cup, Sri Lanka have not been able to follow up the decent showing in the quadrennial extravaganza with a performance of substance. The nearly two month long England tour has been disappointing on most counts. Though, loss in the test series was on expected lines given their opponent’s depth in that format, the 2-3 defeat in the ODI’s has been like a shock.
Tillakaratne Dilshan’s first overseas assignment as captain has not gone according to the plan. One of its chief causes was their shaky batting throughout as it failed to peak at the right time, case in point being the spectacular collapse at Cardiff. Now, that the ordeal is over but the next task that awaits them is the home series against Australia. Although, Sri Lanka have always been a powerful force in their own backyard, however,post-Murlitharan the Aussies might be a difficult to dislodge.
The Lankans have one last chance before that important series to get some kind of momentum. A couple of one-dayers, first against Ireland and then Scotland is a good opportunity to get some wins under their belt.
For Ireland, it would be one more chance to stake their claim for the next world cup. After a good showing in the 2011 WC including the upset win over England, the most influential associate side have found the winning ways. Two convincing wins over Namibia in home ODI’s would have given them some confidence but when they take the field against Sri Lanka tomorrow, it would be not easy to replicate that.
SQUADS:
Sri Lanka: T Dilshan (capt), T Kandambi, K Sangakkara (wk), M Jayawardene, D Chandimal, J Mendis, Dimuth Karunaratne, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Dhammika Prasad, Suraj Randiv, Ajantha Mendis, Angelo Mathews.
Ireland: William Porterfield (Capt), Alex Cusack, George Dockrell, Trent Johnston, Nigel Jones, Graeme McCarter, John Mooney, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien (WK), Andrew Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Paul Stirling, Andrew White, Gary Wilson.
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