Sri Lanka vs Ireland ICC World Cup Qualifier Tips - Hot picks on individual stars

By Sridhar Bhamidi

24 Jun 2023

Sridhar Bhamidi 24 Jun 2023

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Sri Lanka vs Ireland ICC World Cup Qualifier predictions to be played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday afternoon, IST
Sri Lanka have won all 4 ODIs agaisnt Ireland
Wanindu Hasaranga has 2 five-wicket hauls in his last 2 ODIs
Dimuth Karunaratne has scored 50s in each of his last 4 ODIs
Can Sri Lanka confirm their spot in the Super Sixes with another win?

Will Sri Lanka's domination continue against Ireland? (Getty Images)

Sri Lanka vs Ireland ICC World Cup Qualifier

With their tournament progress hanging in the balance, Ireland face a do-or-die match against red-hot Sri Lanka in the ICC ODI World Cup qualifier. This match #15 of the tournament will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday.

Ireland need to win both their remaining matches and hope that one of Scotland or Oman fail to win another of their games. It could be a tricky one for the Irish though, as Sri Lanka have been in great form coming into this match. It could once again be Wanindu Hasaranga walking away with the bowling honours while George Dockrell could be leading the Irish batting charts.

Sri Lanka have won all 4 matches against Ireland (ODIs)
Ireland have lost their last 2 matches (ODIs)
Wanindu Hasaranga has taken 2 five-wicket hauls in his last 2 matches (ODIs)
George Dockrell has scored 2 scores of 50 or more in his last 2 matches for Ireland (ODIs)
Dimuth Karunaratne has 4 scores of 50 or more in his last 4 matches (ODIs)

Head to Head

Sri Lanka have a clean record against Ireland, winning all four ODIs before. The last of those matches though, was played in 2016.

Sri Lanka Form

Sri Lanka put one step into the Super Six with two commanding wins from their first two matches. A 175-run demolition of UAE was followed by a 10-wicket win over Oman.

Dimuth Karunaratne has led the Lankan Lions from the front, hitting consecutive fifties so far. With the ball, the irrepressible Wanindu Hasaranga has taken 11 wickets, leading their bowling charts in both matches.

The Lankans will know that a win could be crucial as Ireland stand a chance to qualify for the Super Sixes and they can carry the points forward.

Sri Lanka Team News

With no injury cloud in the camp and their Super Six participation not yet a guarantee, Sri Lanka could field the same team.

Ireland Form

Ireland had the most dreadful start to their campaign, losing both their matches. After a five-wicket defeat at the hands of Oman, they were stunned by a late charge in a one-wicket loss to Scotland.

Middle-order bat George Dockrell is their leading batter with back-to-back fifties in this tournament. With the ball, Mark Adair with five and Josh Little with four wickets have been their best bets.

Ireland could crash out of the tournament with a loss, so they would be desperate to get their first win of the campaign.

Ireland Team News

Ireland could retain the team that played against Scotland as Curtis Campher celebrated his inclusion with a maiden hundred.

Sri Lanka vs Ireland ICC World Cup Qualifier FAQs

Where can I watch the Sri Lanka vs Ireland ICC World Cup Qualifier live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Sri Lanka vs Ireland ICC World Cup Qualifier live stream.

What time does Sri Lanka vs Ireland ICC World Cup Qualifier start?

This Sri Lanka vs Ireland ICC World Cup Qualifier will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday starting at 12:30pm IST.

Verdict

Sri Lanka are in cracking form and also have history against Ireland of having never lost to them. The Irish though, will be hard-pressed as their tournament is on the line. It could be a fascinating contest which puts the spotlight firmly on the individual players. I am putting my money on Wanindu Hasaranga doing the star turn with the ball for Sri Lanka once again. With the bat, it could be Dimuth Karunaratne to lead their charge, having scored consecutive fifties in this tournament.