Sri Lanka vs Ireland Cricket World Cup Qualifiers: Match Prediction, Betting Tips, and Team Analysis

Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the thrilling clash between Sri Lanka and Ireland in the ongoing Cricket World Cup Qualifiers on June 25th, 2023. This match holds significant importance as teams strive to secure their place in the Super Six stage. Let’s delve into the team previews and analyze the potential outcome of this enthralling encounter.

Sri Lanka vs Ireland Team Previews

SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka has been in scintillating form during this stage of the tournament, emerging victorious in both of their ODI matches with great conviction. Their exceptional net run rate (NRR) of 4.220 is a testament to their dominant performances. In the first game against the U.A.E, the Sri Lankan team exhibited an impressive display, amassing a mammoth total of 6/355, with four players scoring half-centuries. In the subsequent match against Oman, Karunaratne and Nissanka showcased their batting prowess, contributing 37 and 61 runs respectively.

Karunaratne (133 runs) and Nissanka (94 runs) have been the standout batters for Sri Lanka, living up to the expectations placed upon them. Notably, Nissanka has displayed exceptional consistency, averaging 52 runs per game in his last eight matches. Expect these two formidable batsmen to continue exerting their influence at the crease in the upcoming matches.

Heading into the qualifiers, it was evident that leg-spinner Hasaranga would play a crucial role in the Sri Lankan lineup. He has lived up to expectations, delivering outstanding performances by capturing a staggering 11 wickets for a mere 37 runs in just two matches. His bowling figures of 5/13 and 6/24 are simply astounding, and cricket fans eagerly await his confrontation with the Irish batsmen.

IRELAND

Although Ireland is not considered a cricketing powerhouse, their performances thus far have left them disappointed. Two consecutive losses have significantly reduced their chances of advancing to the next stage. In the first match against Oman, Dockrell’s impressive knock of 91 runs provided some respite, but the Irish bowlers failed to pose enough challenges, conceding too many runs without capturing any wickets.

The match against Scotland showcased a few positive moments for Ireland, including Campher’s commendable innings of 120 runs, Dockrell’s contribution of 69 runs, and Adair’s bowling figures of 3/57. However, overall, Ireland’s performance fell short. The narrow one-wicket victory for Scotland emphasizes the close nature of the game.

Head to Head Record

Sri Lanka and Ireland have competed in four ODI matches against each other. In all four encounters, Sri Lanka emerged as the winners, while Ireland has not achieved victory even once.

Key Players to Watch

Analyzing Form Through ICC CWC 2023 Qualifiers Warm-up Match Statistics

Sri Lanka Player Team Records

Ireland Player Team Records

SL vs IRE Toss Prediction

Considering the pitch conditions, opting to bowl first appears to be the favorable decision, as the pitch tends to favor the batters during the second innings. Out of the 77 ODI matches played at this venue, 43 have been won by teams choosing to bowl first.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo typically entices batters due to its low bounce and limited movement. Experienced spinners, however, can extract significant turn from the surface. As a result, a high-scoring match is expected, with instances of teams posting totals of 400 or more witnessed in the past.

Probable XIs for SL and IRE

Sri Lanka

Leading the team will be Dasun Shanaka, accompanied by talented players such as Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Maheesh Thikshana, and Matheesha Pathirana.

Ireland

Andrew Balbirnie will lead the team, accompanied by PJ Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Ben White, and Craig Young.

SL vs IRE Betting Tips

Considering the current form and overall team strength, Sri Lanka is undoubtedly the favorite in this encounter. Although the odds for Ireland may be enticingly high due to their underdog status and consecutive losses, it is advisable to place a modest bet. Sri Lanka possesses a superior team, boasting the exceptional bowling talent of Hasaranga, who is ably supported by Kumara. Furthermore, the batting duo of Karunaratne and Nissanka provides great stability to the Sri Lankan side. Expect Sri Lanka to secure victory without breaking a sweat, especially if they opt to bowl first.

Sri Lanka and Ireland have had the opportunity to compete against each other in four One Day International (ODI) matches. Throughout these encounters, Sri Lanka emerged triumphant in all four instances, while Ireland was unable to secure a victory on any occasion. Sportsbooks will likely back Sri Lanka for this match.

SL vs IRE Match Prediction

Sri Lanka To Win the Match. Sri Lanka’s success will heavily rely on the exceptional bowling prowess of Hasaranga, with Kumara providing valuable support. Karunaratne and Nissanka, known for their batting prowess, are expected to play a pivotal role. While Ireland showcases some promising players like Dockrell and Campher, their overall squad depth leaves much to be desired.

Conclusion

The upcoming SL vs IRE match in the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers is set to be an exciting contest. Sri Lanka, in superb form, boasts a strong batting lineup led by Karunaratne and Nissanka, while the exceptional bowling of Hasaranga poses a significant threat. In contrast, Ireland has struggled to secure victories, relying heavily on players like Dockrell and Campher. With Sri Lanka’s dominance and historical advantage against Ireland, they are the clear favorites. Expect a high-scoring match, but ultimately Sri Lanka is poised to emerge victorious and strengthen their position in the Super Six stage.