Opener Kusal Mendis smashed a well-paced half-century to fire Sri Lanka to a 9-wicket win over Ireland. The Sri Lankans got off a winning start in their opening match of the Super-12 stage in the ongoing T20 World Cup in Australia.

Kusal Mendis stars as Sri Lanka thrash Ireland by 9 wickets (AP)

By India Today Web Desk: Opener Kusal Mendis smashed a well-paced half-century to fire Sri Lanka to a 9-wicket win over Ireland. The Sri Lankans got off a winning start in their opening match of the Super-12 stage in the ongoing T20 World Cup in Australia.

Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie won the toss and decided to bat first in what seemed like a solid track to bat on.

Balbirnie was the first to fall for Ireland as Lahiru Kumara cleaned him up. Maheesh Theekshana then clean bowled wicket-keeper Lorcan Tucker as Sri Lanka piled on the pressure on Ireland. Opener Paul Sterling got going but was dismissed by Dhananjaya de Silva after scoring 34 runs in 25 balls. Harry Tector tried to stabilize Ireland’s innings but wickets kept falling around him.

Curtis Campher couldn’t make much difference and departed after scoring just 2 runs. Theekshana then came back to claim his second wicket of the day in the form of George Dockrell. Tector was the next to fall, as he was dismissed by Binura Fernando after scoring 45 runs in 42 balls. Wanindu Hasaranga then cleaned up the tail-enders as Ireland finished with 128 for 8 on the board after 20 overs.

In the second innings, openers Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva got Sri Lanka off to a flying start with both batters scoring at a healthy run-rate. De Silva was looking good but was dismissed by Gareth Delany after scoring 31 runs off 25 balls, including two boundaries and a six. Mendis stuck around and completed his half-century in quick time. Charith Asalanka provided the perfect support to Mendis as the Sri Lankans chased down Ireland’s target with 9 wickets and 5 overs in hand.

After this win, Sri Lanka will turn their attention to Australia, who they face on October 25.