Karunaratne ton, Hasaranga five-for knock Ireland out. Sri Lanka sail through into the Super Six stage, along with Scotland and Oman.
Sri Lanka secured a spot in the Super Six stage of the Cricket World Cup qualifying tournament by defeating Ireland with a resounding 133-run margin on Sunday. This victory resulted in the elimination of Ireland and confirmed the progression of Scotland and Oman from Group B.
In their innings, opener Dimuth Karunaratne played a pivotal role by scoring a century at a run-a-ball pace, amassing 103 runs. Sadeera Samarawickrama also made a significant contribution with 82 runs. Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 325 all out from 49.5 overs after being asked to bat first in Bulawayo.
Although Mark Adair claimed 4-46 and Barry McCarthy took 3-56 for Ireland, their pace spearhead, Josh Little, conceded 78 runs in eight overs without taking any wickets.
The partnership of Karunaratne and Samarawickrama, who put on 168 runs for the third wicket, was crucial for Sri Lanka after Kusal Mendis was dismissed lbw for a golden duck by McCarthy. Contributions from Charith Asalanka (38) and Dhananjaya de Silva (42 not out) further bolstered Sri Lanka’s total as Ireland tried to limit the damage in the closing overs.
Ireland needed a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive, but their chances dwindled as they lost experienced opener Paul Stirling for just six runs. Captain Andy Balbirnie’s dismissal reduced Ireland to 57-3, and Lorcan Tucker was bowled for a duck in the following over. Wanindu Hasaranga then claimed the wicket of Harry Tector for 33 runs.
Curtis Campher briefly provided resistance with his knock of 39, but once he top-edged to the wicketkeeper, Ireland’s fate was all but sealed after they were bowled out for 192.
Hasaranga ended with impressive figures of 5-79, giving the Sri Lankan leg-spinner a total of 16 wickets in three qualifying matches in Zimbabwe.
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