Player of the Match
Player of the Match

Match Centre

Statistics

Best performances - Batsmen

BKG Mendis
BKG Mendis
68(43) 5x4 - 3x6
Control %72%
  • Productive Shot
  • slog sweep
  • 13 runs
  • 0x4 - 2x6
16 8 1 6 3 8 8 18
HT Tector
HT Tector
45(42) 2x4 - 1x6
Control %88%
  • Productive Shot
  • pull
  • 9 runs
  • 0x4 - 1x6
6 0 3 2 4 6 8 16

Best performances - Bowlers

M Theekshana
M Theekshana
O4
M0
R19
W2
Eco4.75
RHB
OFFLEG
1W1W
  • FTFULL TOSS
  • YYORKER
  • FFULL LENGTH
  • GGOOD LENGTH
  • SGSHORT OF GOOD LENGTH
  • SSHORT LENGTH
PW Hasaranga
PW Hasaranga
O4
M0
R25
W2
Eco6.25
RHB
OFFLEG
2W
  • FTFULL TOSS
  • YYORKER
  • FFULL LENGTH
  • GGOOD LENGTH
  • SGSHORT OF GOOD LENGTH
  • SSHORT LENGTH

Scorer: @Thilak_Rama | Commentator: Sreshth Shah

END OF OVER:
15 | 16 Runs | SL: 133/1 | RR: 8.86

  • Kusal Mendis68 (43b)
  • Charith Asalanka31 (22b)
  • Simi Singh2-0-20-0
  • Josh Little4-0-45-0

That's all from us at ESPNcricinfo. You know what's next. Head over there as we say goodbye!

Losing captain, Balbirnie: "(Challenge facing SL spin) We knew they'd be a big threat. There wasn't a whole lot of spin, but enough to challenge the stumps and bat. We wanted to get 160 or so. We knew they did have a threat of spin on a used wicket, but you have to bat well - be it first or second. Tector is one of our top players, he's had an amazing year, he's an important player in our middle order. (Next game MCG) A lot of us wouldn't have played in a stadium like that - new for us. We haven't played England in 11 years or so - exciting.

Winning captain, Shanaka: "Really happy the way we played. That is the kind of cricket we want to play. (Spinners' utilisation) We knew spinners would play a major role in this game. We used the spinners late tactically in this game. (Mendis' back-to-back fifties) He is being consistent and playing according to situation most of the time. That's what he has improved - it is high-class batting. Now we have that luxury. Death bowling is our key area and the start is important - we did that really good. Want to continue with that confidence."

Kusal Mendis, Player of the Match: "Bowlers did really well. Total was low but I played my natural game. My team asked me to play the first six overs and then contribute till the 10th over. Went for sixes and boundaries. (Net run rate - ever a thought?) We wanted to get it in 17 overs. Thanks to crowd for supporting us."

5.55pm A statement made from Sri Lanka - with the ball, with the bat. SL will be mighty pleased that Kusal Mendis stayed till the end with an unbeaten 68. Pathum Nissanka was not missed at all as Dhananjaya de Silva (31) and Charith Asalanka (31*) put in solid performances as well. But of course the game was set up by the bowlers. Theekshana and Hasaranga impressed with their two-fors, but it was a great outing for all their bowlers, each taking atleast one wicket. As for Ireland, their batters will have to pull their socks up while the bowling looked a bit off colour. Little was expensive today with his 0-45 in four overs. We'll have the presentation shortly.

Here's how the points table looks after one set of Group 1 matches. SL's five-over win has made a big difference.

Lakshitha: "What makes me more happy is the last two shots Asalanka played. Timed them so crisply and showed glimpses of how he played during the last world cup. Hopefully he is quite near his best form going forward, which is going to be crucial for SL's chances in this WC."

14.6
6
Simi Singh to Mendis, SIX, finishes it off in style! Full ball on off and turning in. Mendis gets low and slogs it over deep square leg with ease! Sri Lanka win by nine wickets

CJay: "Thanks EspnCricinfo, there is no enough signal to watch the match onboard the ship, but enough to follow the match on cricinfo !!!!"

14.5
0
Simi Singh to Mendis, no run, fullish just outside off. Cut to point, but they can't pinch a single
14.4
2
Simi Singh to Mendis, 2 runs, full ball just outside off. Mendis plays a late jab to deep third. Fielder at short third gives it a chase and pulls it back
14.3
1
Simi Singh to Asalanka, 1 run, good length ball from around the stumps. Cut to deep point
14.2
1
Simi Singh to Mendis, 1 run, goes for the glory shot, but doesn't come off. Another half-tracker outside off. Tries to slog again but this time it is sliced. Lands well in front of the two outfielders at long on and deep midwicket
14.1
6
Simi Singh to Mendis, SIX, gets the treatment it deserved! Half-tracker outside off, bit of turn away. Mendis spots the wayward ball early, moves to the off side and then smacks a sloggy shot over wide long on

ICC Men's T20 World Cup

First Round Group A
TeamMWLPTNRR
SL32140.667
NED3214-0.162
NAM31220.73
UAE3122-1.235
First Round Group B
TeamMWLPTNRR
ZIM32140.2
IRE32140.105
SCOT31220.304
WI3122-0.563
Group 1
TeamMWLPTNRR
NZ53172.113
ENG53170.473
AUS5317-0.173
SL5234-0.422
IRE5133-1.615
AFG5032-0.571
Group 2
TeamMWLPTNRR
IND54181.319
PAK53261.028
SA52250.874
NED5234-0.849
BAN5234-1.176
ZIM5133-1.138