Ire v SL, 1st ODI Preview: Battered Lankans aim for redemption

Sri Lanka will be hoping to erase the heartbreak of the 2-0 defeat in the Test series against England with the ODI series scheduled in Ireland that commences at The Village in Malahide, Dublin. With this venue new to ODIs in the recent past, both Ireland and Sri Lanka will be hoping to begin their record in the new venue on a winning note. That said, a blockbuster is certainly on the cards

Pitch Conditions:

Having been granted international hosting only in 2013 by the ICC, the Malahide cricket club in Dublin has seen some interesting players make their way to bat. Moreover, the fact that only Ireland, Scotland, and England have played here should tell you more about the unheard of venue. As far as the pitch is concerned, it is expected to dry up towards the end of the first innings, thereby making it easier for the bowlers later in the day. The fact that no team has won in a chase should attest to the aforementioned statement.

Team Analysis:

Ireland

The Irish have seen very little or no cricketing action since the close of the World T20 group stages. Having failed to qualify to the Super 10s perhaps in the most disappointing of manners, William Porterfield will be hoping that his side makes the most of their opportunities with the visiting Sri Lankans.

There isn’t any change expected from the side as the Irish look to tame the Sri Lankans, with themselves being the underdogs for this one. A lot will certainly depend on the likes of Kevin O’Brien and George Dockrell to come up with the goods against the mighty Lankans.

Sri Lanka

Following a thumping in the Test series, the wounded Sri Lankans will be looking to restore the confidence lost in that arduous 2-0 loss at the hands of England. Although it is a different format, Angelo Mathews will view this series as a preparation for their upcoming bevy of ODIs and T20s against England in the following few weeks.

Opting to rest a few players for the England ODI series, the Lankans have made five changes to the squad. The nucleus of the side, however, more or less remains the same with Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, and Dinesh Chandimal. Moreover, the return of players such as Farveez Maharoof and Upul Tharanga may go on to increase the stability of the side.

Probable XI-

Ireland:

William Porterfield (C), Niall O’Brien (WK), Ed Joyce, Stuart Poynter, Paul Stirling, Gary Wilson, Kevin O’Brien, Tim Murtagh, George Dockrell, Boyd Rankin, Andrew McBrine

Sri Lanka:

Angelo Mathews (C), Dinesh Chandimal (WK), Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne, Farveez Maharoof, Dasun Shanaka, Suraj Randiv, Shaminda Eranga, Nuwan Pradeep

StAttack:

1. Sri Lanka will become the first team outside Europe to play an ODI at Malahide, Dublin. England, Scotland, and Ireland are the only teams to have played ODI cricket at this venue.

2. Ireland has won only 2 of their last six One Day internationals at this venue.

3. Niall O’Brien needs 46 runs to complete 2000 runs in ODI cricket. Ironically, O’Brien is the only batsman among the top 5 run-getters for Ireland who doesn’t have an ODI hundred.

4. Should all-rounder Farveez Maharoof play against Ireland, it will be his first piece of international cricketing action since March 2012.

5. A team has never won a match chasing at this venue.