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Kamindu fireworks rescue Sri Lanka to 163-6 against Ireland / Photo: © AFP
NYSE - LSE
Kamindu fireworks rescue Sri Lanka to 163-6 against Ireland
A late blitz from Kamindu Mendis saw Sri Lanka recover from early jitters to claw their way to 163-6 after being sent in to bat by Ireland in their World Cup opener in Colombo on Sunday.
With the innings threatening to be derailed, Kamindu smashed 44 off just 19 balls to wrest the initiative back from Ireland's spinners, who had tied down the hosts.
The Sri Lankans were 86-4 in the 14th over when Kamindu strode out and ended a boundary drought that had stretched to 57 deliveries.
He broke the shackles with a cheeky reverse sweep and went on the charge in a 17th over that cost Ireland 21 runs.
By the time he departed, Sri Lanka were 153-6 with eight balls remaining.
His cameo included four fours and two towering sixes that had the crowd on its feet.
At the other end, wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis played the anchor role and remained unbeaten on 56 off 43 deliveries.
Ireland left-arm spinner George Dockrell was the pick of the attack, claiming 2-17 runs from his four overs.
It could have been so much better for Ireland, but they put down six catches that could prove costly.
O. Karlsson--BTZ
