Wanindu Hasaranga’s impressive performance of 5-79 secured a total of 16 wickets from three qualifiers, propelling Group B leaders Sri Lanka into the Super Six stage.With three losses in as many games, it has been a disappointing qualifier tournament for the Irish side, who had previously suffered defeats against Oman and Scotland.
In order to keep their chances alive, Ireland needed to secure a victory against Sri Lanka. However, their hopes were shattered, and they now only have the goal of avoiding finishing at the bottom of Group B by defeating the United Arab Emirates in their final match on Tuesday.
This marks the second consecutive World Cup that Ireland has failed to qualify for, having previously participated in the 2007, 2011, and 2015 tournaments. Despite a valiant effort by Ireland’s bowlers, led by Mark Adair with 4-46 and Barry McCarthy with 3-56, they were unable to successfully chase down Sri Lanka’s total of 325.
Although Andy McBrine got off to a positive start, hitting a few early boundaries, Hasaranga’s bowling proved to be too formidable for Ireland. Curtis Campher contributed 39 runs, and Harry Tector added 33, but Ireland’s pursuit of their opponent’s total lacked conviction.
“We are disappointed, naturally. We are out of the competition. We came here to try to qualify so to not even get to the Super Sixes is hugely disappointing for this group but we have got to move on. We are going to have to pick ourselves up pretty quickly.”
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie won the toss and chose to bowl first, making only one change to the team that suffered a dramatic one-wicket defeat to Scotland. Barry McCarthy replaced Ben White in the lineup.
Sri Lanka made a solid start with the bat, but McCarthy quickly made an impact by dismissing Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendes with consecutive deliveries. Despite Ireland’s bowling efforts, Sri Lanka continued to accumulate runs.
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Dimuth Karunaratne and Sadeera Samarawickrama forming a productive partnership. Karunaratne reached his century as Sri Lanka reached 230-3 after 37 overs. However, a late rally from Ireland’s bowlers resulted in Sri Lanka being bowled out for 325 in 49.5 overs.
The top three teams from each group in the qualifier tournament will advance to the Super Six stage, and the top two from the 10-team competition will secure a spot in the World Cup, which will be held in India later this year.