Ireland's World Cup hopes ended after defeat to Sri Lanka

Having lost their opening two matches, to Oman and Scotland, Ireland headed into this game needing a win to keep their slim hopes of reaching the Super Six stage of the competition alive

DISAPPOINTMENT: Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie File pic: Peter Della Penna

A century from Dimuth Karaunaratne, and a half-century from Sadeera Samarawickrama saw Sri Lanka effectively end Ireland’s dreams of involvement at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.

Mark Adair – who took his 50th career ODI wicket when he caught and bowled Lahiru Kamara – Barry McCarthy and Gareth Delany all bowled well as Ireland bounced back well after a slow start.