Sri Lanka vs Ireland, ICCWCT20 2022, Today Match Prediction 23 October 2022

sl vs ire Match Prediction & Analysis

Sri Lanka would take on Ireland in the 15th game of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022. It will be the first Super 12 game for the two sides. They have done well in the preliminary round, winning two games each. Sri Lankans defeated the Netherlands in their last game, while the Irish side registered a big win against West Indies.  

There would be pressure on Ireland to win this game. They have never defeated Sri Lankans in the past, and it would be a big challenge for the team. The Sri Lankans have depth in their batting and bowling, which is an advantage for the team. Both sides would like to win this one before they take on stronger sides in the tournament, and we will see a close contest.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Sri Lanka Preview

Dasun Shanaka's side has done well in the preliminary stage of the tournament. They had lost the first game against Namibia but have since won two consecutive matches. It was an excellent all-round performance against the Netherlands, where they won by 16 runs. Shanaka would like to defeat Ireland and gain momentum before taking on the bigger sides.  

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are in good form, and the pair would like to set up a big opening wicket stand in this game. Dhananjaya de Silva, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Charith Asalanka make this middle order strong. The team would expect runs from their bats in this contest. Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Chamika Karunaratne are good hitters of the ball, making this line-up strong.   

The bowling attack has done well in the last two games. Lahiru Kumara and Binura Fernando shall look to use the new ball to their advantage. The wicket would suit Maheesh Theekshana and Hasaranga, and they must bowl tight spells in the middle overs of the game. Shanaka, Karunaratne, and de Silva add to the side's bowling options.  

Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara

Sri Lanka Actual Playing XI:

Lahiru Kumara, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Wanidu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Ashen Bandara, Charith Asalanka

Ireland Preview

Andrew Balbirnie's side comes into the contest with a massive win. They defeated the West Indies by nine wickets in their last league game to knock the two-time champions out of the contest. It was a tremendous performance from the team, and they'd carry the confidence here. Sri Lanka would be a tough side to beat, and Balbirnie shall like his side to produce a strong performance in this game.  

Paul Stirling and Balbirnie played brilliantly in the last game. The pair would look to put the side in a commanding position with similar performance. The middle order is experienced for the team, and they'd like to see runs from Lorcan Tucker, Harry Tector, and Curtis Campher. Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, and Barry McCarthy make it a strong batting unit in the lower middle order.   

The bowling attack did well against the West Indies. The side would like to see a good spell with the new ball from Joshua Little and Mark Adair. Delany bowled brilliantly in the last game, and the same would be expected here. McCarthy, Campher, and Simi Singh make it a strong bowling attack.

Ireland Predicted Playing XI:

Andrew Balbirnie (c), Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Simi Singh, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little

Ireland Actual Playing XI:

Mark Adair, Simi Singh, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Joshua Little, Paul Stirling, Barry McCarthy, Lorcan Tucker, Gareth Delany, Harry Tector, Andrew Balbirnie

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

There are predictions of cloudy skies over Hobart on October 23, and the skies may open up. The conditions would favor the bowlers though the wicket here has always been good to bat on. The side batting first would need 160 runs on the board under these conditions.

Venue Details

Bellerive Oval, Hobart, has a small park, and the short boundaries around the square offer batsmen plenty of opportunities to free their arms. Spinners have always struggled at this ground due to the small size of the outfield. Fast bowlers get early movement off the surface at this venue and have done well.

Toss: To Bowl

We have seen massive scores at Hobart in the past, but the weather predictions aren't encouraging. Bowling first is considered a safer option in T20 cricket, and sides chasing the score have an advantage in rain-curtailed games. Hence we believe the side that wins the toss will likely opt for bowling first here.