• Sri Lanka and Ireland meet in the Super 12s stage of the 2022 World Twenty20 tournament.
• Bellerive Oval in Hobart is notorious for being unkind to wristspinners.
• Showers are expected in the afternoon, but there should be enough time to play even if it is shortened.

Sri Lanka lost their first match to Namibia, but after that, they dominated UAE and dominated the Netherlands for much of the game. Ireland lost to Zimbabwe but defeated Scotland and, most notably, the West Indies.

Both teams have arrived in the Super 12s with some confidence, but also with the understanding that they must still prove themselves in this stage of the tournament. A win here would be Ireland’s second consecutive giant-killing act, adding another former T20 World Cup winner’s feather to their cap. They appear to enjoy chasing, with their middle order excelling against Scotland before the top order annihilated the West Indies.

Pitch Condition

Bellerive Oval in Hobart is one of the smaller Super 12 venues and is notorious for being unkind to wristspinners, which may play into Ireland’s hands. Showers are expected in the afternoon, but there should be enough time to play even if it is shortened.

Expected Playing Xi

Sri Lanka:  Kusal Mendis (wk),  Ashen Bandara,  Dhananjaya de Silva,  Charith Asalanka,  Bhanuka Rajapaksa,  Dasun Shanaka (capt),  Wanindu Hasaranga,  Chamika Karunaratne,  Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando,  Lahiru Kumara