NEW DELHI: In their T20 World Cup warm-up match in Lauderhill, former champions Sri Lanka overcame some nervous moments to defeat Ireland by 41 runs behind an impressive all-around effort from Dasun Shanaka, which included bowling figures of 4/23.
Taking the field on Friday at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Sri Lanka's batting misfired early in the contest.
Before posting a decent 163/8, Sri Lanka lost half of their side for 82 runs in 11 overs.
To get them to a competitive total, all-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga (26), Angelo Mathews (32) and Shanaka (23) accelerated the proceedings down the order.
Paul Stirling (21) and George Dockrell (17) delivered blistering blows in the early stages of the Irish chase, but former captain Shanaka turned the tide with his medium-pace bowling as Ireland was bowled out for 122 in 18.2 overs.
On Monday, Sri Lanka will play their first match in New York against South Africa, and on Wednesday, Ireland will play India.
Afghanistan excel against Scotland
Afghanistan defeated Scotland by 55 runs with the help of Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the Port of Spain in Trinidad.
Afghanistan made the most of their match against Scotland after being deprived of the opportunity to bat in the rain-hit warm-up match against Oman.
Afghanistan chose to bat and sent Rahmanullah Gurbaz and all-rounder Naib to open, and they both got off to a fast start.
After hitting two fours and two sixes against Brandon McMullen in the second over of the innings, Naib struck 20, taking the total to 178/8. Naib also top-scored for the Afghans with a 30-ball 69 (5x4, 6x6).
Azmatullah Omarzai made a strong 36-ball 48 to help as well.
Chris Sole (3/35) and Bradley Currie (2/26) bowled regularly to stop the run flow for Scotland.
Afghanistan subsequently took control of the game by restricting their opponents for 123/9 with their spinners, led by Rashid Khan (1/3 in 2 overs) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/23 in 3 overs).
Afghanistan take on Uganda in their opening match of the T20 World Cup, while Scotland take on England in Barbados on Tuesday.
Brief Scores:
At Lauderhill: Sri Lanka 163/8; 20 overs (Angelo Mathews 32 not out; Josh Little 2/45, Barry McCarthy 2/31) beat Ireland 122; 18.2 overs (Curtis Campher 26; Dasun Shanaka 4/23, Maheesh Theekshana 2/14, Wanindu Hasaranga 2/40) by 41 runs
At Port of Spain: Afghanistan 178/8; 20 overs (Gulbadin Naib 69, Azmatullah Omarzai 48; Cris Sole 3/35, Bradley Currie 2/26) beat Scotland 123/9; 20 ovres (Mark Watt 34; Karim Janat 2/13, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2/23) by 55 runs
(With PTI inputs)
