SL vs IRE Preview | Ireland look to hunt down out-of-sorts Sri Lanka in their own den in World Cup opener

The match will be played at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Sri Lanka comes into the game after difficult series against Pakistan and England. The team often lost wickets in the middle of innings and failed to maintain the run-scoring pace.

Ireland has shown more consistent play and better control of key moments in the match.

This season, both teams have actively changed their lineups, testing different roles in the top and middle orders.

Sri Lanka looks stronger on paper, but there is no clear advantage in terms of current form.

Form Guide

Sri Lanka's recent matches have revealed problems in their game after the powerplay. The opening pair started confidently, but then the team quickly lost the initiative. In bowling, they don't always manage to close the middle overs and perform well in the death overs.

Ireland played a confident series of matches against Italy and the UAE. The team consistently scores points in the first half of the innings and rarely suffers sharp declines. The middle order plays more calmly and is better at bringing the innings to the desired result.

Sri Lanka: L W L L L

Ireland: W W L W W

Sri Lanka vs Ireland Head-to-Head

In head-to-head matches, Sri Lanka had the upper hand.

They more often won the battle in the middle innings and made better use of spin bowling. Ireland usually lost wickets in the middle overs and was unable to recover its run rate.

Sri Lanka 3-0 Ireland

Pitch and Weather

The pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium traditionally suits spinners better. At the start of the innings, the ball rolls more evenly, but later the surface becomes slower.

Hot and humid weather is expected in Colombo on the day of the match. The temperature will be around 29C. Short showers are possible.

The captain who wins the toss would be wise to choose to bat first to take advantage of the better conditions at the start of the game.

Team News

The Sri Lanka team continues to search for a stable combination in the top order. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis remain key players in building innings. Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka are responsible for the middle order. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana play a major role in bowling.

Ireland enters the match with almost no changes to its lineup. Paul Stirling continues to play as the main opener. Harry Tector remains the main player in the middle order. In bowling, the team relies on Mark Adair and Barry McCarthy, as well as spinners George Dockrell and Matthew Humphreys.

Sri Lanka (Probable XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga

Ireland (Probable XI): Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, Ben Calitz, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys

Broadcasting Platforms

The Sri Lanka vs Ireland match will be available to watch on official streaming platforms and TV channels that broadcast international cricket and ICC tournaments in different regions.