Century for wicketkeeper-batsman and stunning all-round display from Shanaka help tourists to big win in Dublin
Chaminda, Shanaka dominate Ireland
Dinesh Chandimal hit an unbeaten century and Dasun Shanaka continued his impressive tour as they helped Sri Lanka to a 76-run victory against Ireland in the first of two one-day internationals at Malahide.
Chandima's century – an even 100 no out – came from 107 balls as the Lankans reached 7-303.
In reply, Ireland were 4-164 when rain halted play. Three overs were lost but Ireland never really threatened to reach the revised target of 293.
Shanaka smashed a quick-fire 42 to power the Sri Lankans home, and then picked up five big wickets as the hosts were bundled out for 216.
The Sri Lankan innings stuttered when Barry McCarthy picked up two quick wickets but Kusal Mendis led the recovery with a half-century until he was caught and bowled by Kevin O'Brien.
Image Id: ~/media/84816D5C567848A798D60FEBAC2D016D Image Caption: Shanaka celebrates his five-wicket haul // GetyChandimal played an anchor role, hitting six fours, as Angelo Mathews (49) and Shanaka provided the pyrotechnics, with the allrounder's 42 coming from only 19 balls until he was bowled by Boyd Rankin.Ireland had a 53-run opening stand to give the hosts a strong start, before Shanaka bowled Paul Stirling for 27.
Shanaka then had Ed Joyce and John Anderson caught behind cheaply, and the home side fell further behind the required run rate when Shaminda Eranga picked up skipper William Porterfield.
Ireland lost their last six wickets for just 18 runs, including O'Brien who had hit 64 from 49 balls before he was trapped lbw by Nuwan Pradeep.
The two sides meet again at the same venue on Saturday before Sri Lanka return to England for a five-match ODI series.