Wanindu Hasaranga recorded a career-high 6/24 as Sri Lanka crushed United Arab Emirates by 175 runs in their ICC World Cup Qualifier group league opener.
Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga recorded a career-high 6/24 as Sri Lanka opened their ICC World Cup Qualifier group league campaign with a crushing 175-run victory over underdog United Arab Emirates on Monday.
With some late fireworks from Charith Asalanka and Hasaranga, who ably warmed up with an unbeaten 23 off 12 balls, the Lankan top-order batsmen posted a massive total of 355/6 in 50 overs. All of the top-order players made half-centuries.
The UAE top five were eventually dismissed for 180 runs in 39 overs, and the RCB spinner returned to remove three of them. Along the way to his six-wicket haul, Hasaranga reached the minor milestone of 50 ODI wickets.
Kusal Mendis, who scored a classy 78 off 63 balls for Sri Lanka, stole the show by smashing 10 fours in the innings. He also helped his team to a large total by partnering with Sadeera Samarawickrama for 105 runs.
Mendis holed out off Ali Naseer to the replacement fielder, and Samarawickrama was run out for 73 off 64 balls, giving UAE hope that they can limit the scoring in the final six overs.
Charith Asalanka, however, had other plans. He struck 48 not out off just 23 balls while launching boundary after boundary in an incredible display of finishing. For the final over to push the score past 350, Hasaranga hit three boundaries.
Ireland is rocked by Oman
In another group match, Oman outplayed Ireland by five wickets to win and register the first shock of the qualifying tournament.
Harry Tector (52 off 82 balls) and George Dockrell (91 off 89 balls), who shone with the bat after Oman decided to bowl, helped Ireland to 281/7, giving them reason for confidence.
However, the Asian country pursued the target with panache, using half-centuries by Kashyap Prajapati, Aqib Ilyas, and Zeeshan Maqsood.
Mohammad Nadeem (46*), Ayaan Khan (21) and Shoaib Khan (19*) completed the victory with 11 balls remaining.
Short scores: Sri Lanka 355/6 in 50 overs (Kusal Mendis 78, Sadeera Samarawickrama 73, Ali Naseer 2/44). Dubai scored 180 runs in 39 overs (Wanindu Hasaranga 6/24). A 175 run victory for SL.
Ireland 281/7 (George Dockrell 90, Harry Tector 52, Bilal Khan 2/64).
Oman 285/5 in 48 point 1 overs (Zeeshan Maqsood 59, Kashyap Prajapati 72). Oman triumphed by 5 wkts.
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