However, there are still concerns about how comfortable they will be. Captain Dasun Shanaka pointed out the problems with slow pitches and Sri Lanka’s recent performances at the R. Premadasa Stadium have not been encouraging. Adding to the uncertainty was England’s recent 3-0 home run against them.
Ireland will see this as a chance to cause an upset. After a tough 2024 season without any series wins, they regained their confidence with series wins against lower ranked teams.
These matches were played in Dubai, where the conditions could be similar to those they may face in Sri Lanka, which helped them adapt quickly. For Ireland, progression to the next stage is likely to depend on defeating Sri Lanka or Australia, so this opening match is extremely important. A strong performance here could have put early pressure on the visitors.
The Sri Lanka team has key players like Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and fast bowlers Dushmanth Chameera and Matheesha Pathiran. Ireland will depend on experienced players such as captain Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Josh Little, Curtis Campher and George Dockrell to challenge the hosts.
platoons:
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha E Chamehana, Mahanha
Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young