Sri Lanka win easily

Host Sri Lanka commenced their campaign to win the under 19 World Cup with a comfortable eight wickets win over Ireland at the Singhalese SC grounds Tuesday.

Ireland choosing to bat first after winning the toss were bundled out for 133 in the 48th over. Sri Lanka used up only 24 overs in getting past that total with Ian Daniels, a stylish right-hander stroking his way to a brilliant half-century. Daniels first strangled Ireland with a tight spell of medium-pace bowling taking one for 15 off ten overs, then hit a run-a-ball 73 with 12 fours to steer the side home easily.

With Jehan Mubarak, Daniels shared an opening partnership of 72 off eight overs. Mubarak made 25 before mishitting a catch to mid-on. Sri Lanka also lost Kaushalya Lokuarachchi for six. But vice-captain Thilina Kandambi stayed with Daniels to see Sri Lanka through.

Ireland slumped to 27 for 5 in the 17th over before the tail wagged to bring them to a respectable total. Ryan Haire led the recovery using up 114 balls for 39. John Mooney hit 34 of 66 balls and Dwayne McGerrigle swung the bat around to hit three sixes in his knock of 23. Medium-pacers Akalanka Ganegama and Kaushal Weeraratne took three wickets apiece to remove the top order.