T20 World Cup 2022: Match 15 - Predicted Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Ireland

Asia Cup 2022 winners Sri Lanka lived up to their potential in the First Round of the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. The Dasun Shanaka-led side was reeling after suffering an upset at the hands of Namibia in their opening fixture, however, coming from behind the side managed to pull off two sensational wins against the UAE and the Netherlands to make it to the Super 12 stage.

With the First Round done and dusted, Sri Lanka move into the Super 12 fixtures with problems of their own. The Lankan Lions are having to deal with injury concerns early on in the marquee tournament with in-form pacer Dushmantha Chameera officially ruled out of the World Cup. Adding to this, Dilshan Madushanka and Danushka Gunathilaka are among the players included in the list of injured ones.

As Sri Lanka are about to cross swords with Ireland, the clash promises to be an exciting one, considering the level at which the latter has operated during the First Round battering rival teams with ease. 

Let’s look at Sri Lanka’s probable playing XI against Ireland:

Openers: Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis (wk)

On a sluggish surface that did not allow batters to hit the ball cleanly in the match against the Netherlands at the Kardinia Park, Geelong, Mendis relished a fine day with his outstanding 79 off 44 balls. The Lankan Lions rode on the first-choice wicketkeeper’s performance and will hope that he continues such form in the Super 12 fixtures.

Opener Nissanka did not quite hit the ground running as he managed to only get 14 off 21 balls, he faced in the First Round match against the Dutch side. However, he would still open for the side with the aim to turn the tables against the Ireland.

Middle-order: Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Bhanuka Rajapaksa

A 30-ball 31 helped boost the morale of Asalanka in the fixture against the Netherlands following the duck he endured in the second match against the UAE. Now, the player will look to keep hold of the momentum and help the side post a big total in case the top order fails to get going.

Dhananjaya de Silva is capable of building partnerships in vital moments that give his side an edge over other teams. However, he has not been in top form and the side will need him to pick up form now as the Lankan Lions play the Super 12 fixtures.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa has been a consistent performer in the Sri Lankan domestic circuit over the years. The southpaw can punish the bowlers with his hard-hitting prowess and will play a key role in the big hitting department.

All-rounder: Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga

Shanaka’s recent knocks in the last few years have brought him into the limelight as he juggles the responsibilities of a lower-order enforcer and a handy medium pacer. The skipper is known to be a hard hitter and can help guide his side to get the big totals towards the later half of the innings.

Hasaranga has been Sri Lanka's star player as he has shown his worth on numerous occasions. The moderate aggression and hunger he displays on the pitch have helped his side attain heights with the most recent triumph being the Asia Cup 2022. The leg-spinner comes lower down the order and can be instrumental for the side in slamming a few out of the park.

Bowlers: Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando

With Dushmantha Chameera ruled out, the onus is on Maheesh Theekshana and Chamika Karunaratne to take over and play an integral role. While it will be a real test starting with the match against Ireland for the duo, the two have relished decent outings in the recent First Round games.

Kumara was brought into the side after the pace department was hit with injuries and has been successful in intimidating batters with his pace. Moreover, in his four overs against the Netherlands, he picked up a wicket and gave 28 runs with an economy of 7.00. The Lankan Lions will be hopeful that the new pacer in the squad adds value.

Binura Fernando proved to be the costliest in terms of leaking runs with an economy rate of 8.25 in his four overs in the previous game against the Dutch side. However, with limited bowling options, the Shanaka-led Sri Lanka will be hoping that he does well.

Sri Lanka’s predicted XI against Ireland: Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando