Andy Balbirnie and Dimuth Karunaratne pose for the historic series.
What was meant to be an iconic series for Ireland turned out into a misery after Sri Lanka belted the European nation by an innings and 280 runs in the first Test of the two-match Test series. The second match between the two nations starts on April 24 and will be staged at the Galle International Stadium as usual.
Ireland disappointed their supporters with a horrendous display of cricket after the valiant show in Bangladesh. Winning the toss, the Sri Lankan captain opted to bat first. The first day of the competition belonged totally to the home side as they dominated the Irish bowlers and tonked away runs for fun.
Nishan Madhushka continued to open in the absence of Pathum Nissanka and failed to convert his late 20s into a big score. Sri Lanka ended day 1 of the Test match on 386-4 with Dinesh Chandimal and nightwatchman, Prabath Jayasuriya at either end.
It was the Dimuth Karunaratne (179) and Kusal Mendis (140) show on the first day at Galle as both gentlemen notched up centuries. The duo amassed a humongous 285 runs partnership for the second wicket and turned the tide completely towards them. Mendis played the aggressor’s knock while Karunaratne was nothing short of elegance personified.
Right on the next day, Dinesh Chandimal (102) and Sadeera Samarickrama (104) joined hands and added respective tons. The wicket-keeper batter returned to the national team after almost six years and announced his revival in the grandest fashion.
On the back of four centurions, Sri Lanka stockpiled 591 runs on the board for the loss of six wickets after 131 overs. They were compelled to declare the innings. The most astonishing part of the innings was the veteran Angelo Matthews getting dismissed for a bronze duck against Ben White. Curtis Campher bagged a two-fer while Mark Adair, Any McBrine, Ben White, and George Dockrell returned with a solitary scalp.
In return, Ireland was bundled out for 143 runs as spinners rusted the batting department of the tourists. They followed the same opening pair of James McCollum and Murray Commins as that in the Bangladesh series and it didn’t pay dividends. Pacer, Vishwa Fernando was clinical in offering Sri Lanka two early blows in the form of Commins and skipper Andrew Balbirnie.
Harry Tector (34) and Lorcan Tucker (45) tried their best to negotiate the spin attack of Sri Lanka and could do only for a brisk interval of time. Prabath Jayasuriya, claiming a seven-for ran riot in the opposition’s batting order enforcing an all-over folding. As the follow-on was compelled on the Balbirnie-led unit, Ireland had to bat in the third innings of the Test match.
Jayasuriya and Fernando shared the new ball once again and reaped rewards. At one stage, the men in green were pushed to 40/5 after 15.1 overs. Harry Tector and Curtis Campher played the first hour of the second session of Day 3 but Ramesh Mendis found success as he trapped Campher (30 off 73) to play a fancy shot and hole out after the drinks break.
Alongside Harry Tector’s 42 off 95 balls, George Dockrell (32 off 54) and Mark Adair (23 off 29) showcased some grit and determination. It was just a matter of time before Sri Lanka clean them up and seal the colossal victory. Prabath Jayasuriya with 10 wickets in the match was adjudged the player of the match.
But amidst all the chaos, the good news for the Ireland side is that Paul Stirling will be back for the second Test. One can hope for some change in the Irish batting approach after the veteran’s return.
What have they done so far?
Paul Stirling has joined the Irish camp for the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka
Prior to this, the Sri Lankan team finished a fantastic series against New Zealand. They put up a brave fight against the Black Caps in their own backyard, despite losing the series 2-0. If not for Kane Williamson’s century in the second inning, they would have triumphed in the first match.
The hosts trounced the Asian side in the very next encounter thrashing by an innings and 58 runs. Despite batting for two innings, the Dimuth Karunaratne-led unit failed to go past the 580 runs mark piled up by the Kiwis. Prior to the series, they had a chance for qualification in the World Test Championship finals. This was feasible only if the island nation had won the series 2-0. But as the series ended, the numbers were completely against them.
Meanwhile, prior to this series, Ireland took part in a historic one-off Test match with Bangladesh and was on the receiving end of a loss. They were put to bat first and could score 214 runs on the back of a half-century from Curtis Campher. In retaliation, Bangladesh amassed 369 runs thanks in large part to outstanding efforts from Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan.
With 292 runs scored in the third inning, the Irish team recovered from a collapse, courtesy of a century from Lorcan Tucker. To chase it down, Bangladesh needed 138 runs, which they easily achieved with seven wickets remaining.
Head-to-Head Record
This is the first time that Sri Lanka and Ireland are playing a Test series. Since the Asian side won the first Test match between the two nations, Sri Lanka leads the tally 1-0 currently.
Key Players
Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka): The Sri Lankan skipper has been influential with the knock of 179 runs in the previous red-ball affair against Ireland. He looked in touch of gold dust while caressing the drives on the off side.
The living legend is just 51 runs shy of 6500 runs in Test cricket and could achieve the milestone mark in the upcoming encounter. He is a terrific batter of spin and his batting average has peaked at over 40 since 2021.
Harry Tector has been fantastic for Ireland in red-ball cricket.
Harry Tector (Ireland): The Irish prodigy gelled up an important half-century in the first innings of the previous Test but fell short of assistance from the other end. In the two Test matches that Ireland played recently, Harry Tector has raced past the 40 runs mark in all four innings. He is a good player of both pace and spin and has the perseverance to deal with pressure.
Predicted XIs
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne ©, Nishan Madhushka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Matthews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarickwrama (wk), Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Vishwa Fernando
Ireland: James McCollum, Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie ©, PJ Moor, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Andy McBrine, George Dockrell, Ben White, Mark Adair
Prediction
After the thumping win in the last match, Sri Lanka is the favorite for the upcoming clash. Ireland looked shambolic against the spin-friendly conditions and has a lot of homework to be done.
