Sri Lanka vs Ireland 2nd ODI Live stream info, team news, match prediction and probable playing XI
IRELAND VS SRI LANKA MATCH SUMMARY:
After a comfortable 76-runs win against Ireland, Sri Lanka go into the second and final match of the series as firm favourites to wrap up the series.
The win in the first match will also give a lot of confidence to a young outfit after they were outplayed thoroughly in the Test Series against England. Although the side which took the field against Ireland wore a different look to the side that played against England in the final Test, the performance will only warm the hearts of the Sri Lanka management and fans.
Hosts Ireland will feel that they were not outplayed entirely and if they manage to control few critical moments in the game, they are in with a fair shout themselves. The first match did show their talent both with the bat and ball, but they will know that in order to win International matches, a more sustained approach is needed.
IRELAND VS SRI LANKA 2nd ODI Where to Watch on TV and Live Stream info:
Ireland vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI is scheduled for a 10:45 a.m. local time (9:45 a.m. GMT, 3:15 p.m. IST and 5:45 a.m. EST) start. There will be no live coverage of this game in India. Setanta Sports Ireland will broadcast Ireland vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Live in UK and in Ireland. ESPN 3 will telecast the game live in US.
Follow Ireland vs Sri Lanka Live Scores and commentary here with Sportskeeda.
IRELAND VS SRI LANKA TEAM NEWS:
IRELAND: For the hosts, this series is the beginning of a relatively busy season as they will host as many as 12 more matches. In the first match, they looked like an experienced outfit but then messed it up at crucial moments.
The bowlers especially Barry McCarthy looked potent early on, but then lacked spice towards the end in the face of some stiff resistance by Sri Lanka.
With the bat too, William Porterfield looked to be all at ease and provided a stable base, but the lower order was not competent enough to handle the pressure.
They will have to iron out their flaws more so because these performances will have a direct bearing on their chances at the World Cup.
SRI LANKA: Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will hope to do more of the same. Century by Dinesh Chandimal, a half century by Kusal Mendis, and 49 by Angelo Mathews were the bright sparks. However, the day solely belonged to Dasun Shanaka, who smacked a 19-ball 42 and then picked up a 5-wicket haul. His form as a seam bowling all-rounder and the general form of the middle order is good news for them leading into the second match.
After a hammering received in the Test Series, Sri Lanka would ideally want to win this match and continue the momentum into the ODI series against England.
IRELAND VS SRI LANKA MATCH PREDICTION:
Going by the first match and the strengths of the squad is taken into account it should be a relatively stress-free game for Sri Lanka. But Ireland will know that if they stick to their strengths and win few critical moments in the game, they might spring a surprise.
There was enough promise in the first game now the hosts will have to build on the positives. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will look to do more of the same and as they say, follow the process which gave them the win in the first match.
FORM GUIDE:
IRELAND: L-W-L-L-L (last five matches, most recent first)
SRI LANKA: W-L-W-L-L
PREDICTED PLAYING XI:
Sri Lanka: The visitors played a relatively inexperienced squad, but that did not have any bearing on the eventual result. They should ideally go in with the same squad for this match too.
Probable XI: Kusal Perera, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal (WK), Angelo Mathews (C), Upul Tharanga, Dasun Shanaka, Seekkuge Prasanna, Dhananjay de Silva, Shaminda Eranga, Suranga Lakmal
Ireland: The hosts might include George Dockrell to have a better control during the middle phase of the innings.
Probable XI: William Porterfield (C), Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, Gary Wilson (WK), Kevin O'Brien, Stuart Poynter, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Tim Murtagh, Boyd Rankin
WEATHER:
Rain always plays a part in Ireland, it was no different in the first match as there was slight drizzle throughout the game. However, the weather is expected to be better for the second game, and no rain is expected.