T20 World Cup 2021: Match 8, Sri Lanka vs Ireland Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

Preview

Sri Lanka and Ireland are set to lock horns in Match No.8 of the T20 World Cup Qualifiers on Wednesday, October 20 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The Lankans got off to an impressive start after they defeated Namibia by seven wickets in their opening game on Monday.

The Islanders bowled Namibia out for 96 after which Avishka Fernando and Bhanuka Rajapaksha took them home. Ireland, on the other hand, will be going into the game after thrashing Netherlands by seven wickets on Monday. Curtis Campher was on top of his game as he picked up a hat-trick.

Match Details

Match – Sri Lanka vs Ireland – Match 8

Venue – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Time – 07:30 PM IST, 02:00 PM GMT

Where to watch live – Star Sports Network

Pitch Report

The pitch in Abu Dhabi hasn’t been a favourable one for batting. The bowlers have dictated terms thus far. Chasing has been easier. The batters need to gauge the conditions before going for shots on the up. A high-scoring game doesn’t seem to be on the cards.

Average score: 101 (2 T20Is in Abu Dhabi in T20 World Cup 2021)

Record of Chasing teams: Won – 2, Lost – 0, Tied – 0

Probable Playing XIs

Sri Lanka

Kusal Perera (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara

Bench: Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Akila Dananjaya, Binura Fernando

Ireland

Paul Stirling, Kevin O Brien, Andrew Balbirnie (c), Gareth Delany, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Neil Rock (wk), Simi Singh, Mark Adair, Benjamin White, Joshua Little

Bench: George Dockrell, Craig Young, Andy McBrine, Lorcan Tucker

Head-to-head

Matches- 1, Sri Lanka – 1, Ireland – 0, N/R- 0

Probable best batter of the match

Kusal Perera (Sri Lanka)

Kusal Perera is someone, who can take a game away from the opposition with his audacious stroke-play in the powerplay. The southpaw prefers to go after the bowling right from the word go. In the first match against Namibia, he started with two glorious fours. But he got out to Ruben Trumpelmann while trying to go aerial on the off side.

Probable best bowler of the match

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)

Wanindu Hasaranga has tasted a lot of success in his short T20 career thus far. In the previous game against Namibia, the leg-spinner bowled well. The tweaker picked up two wickets of Craig Williams and Loftie-Eaton and gave away only 24 runs off four overs. Not to forget that Hasaranga can wield the willow to good effect with the bat as well.

Today’s match prediction: Sri Lanka to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.