Ireland beaten by Sri Lanka

Ireland failed to pull off another shock today as they succumbed to Sri Lanka by nine runs at Lord’s and were knocked out of the World Twenty20.

Having defeated Bangladesh to reach the Super Eights stage, the Irish were well placed when captain William Porterfield and Niall O’Brien shared a half-century opening stand in pursuit of 145.

But hopes were fading fast when O’Brien became the third of three victims in two overs and there were still 54 required from the final five with six wickets intact.

A double success for slingy paceman Lasith Malinga in the 17th over should have closed the door on the competition for the associate country.

However, 18 runs off the penultimate over, sent down by Nuwan Kulasekera, kept the packed house interested.