Sri Lanka defeated Ireland in the 15th match of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2024 at the Queens Sports Club thanks to Wanindu Hasaranga’s outstanding performance, which included five wickets. With Hasaranga heroics, Sri Lanka got their spot in the 2024 version of the ICC World Cup in India while meeting Ireland’s expectations of capability.
26 June 2024
At the Queens Sports Club, Sri Lanka set a formidable target for Ireland by choosing to bat first in this crucial qualifying match. The veteran campaigner Dimuth Karunaratne batted brilliantly, scoring 103 runs off 103 balls. Sadeera Samarawickrama, a wicketkeeper and batsman, scored 82 runs in 86 deliveries and joined Karunaratne for 168 runs for the third wicket. In addition, Dhananjaya de Silva made an important cameo, scoring 42 runs off just 35 balls to help Sri Lanka reach an impressive 325 runs in 49.5 overs.
Wanindu Hasaranga, a spin specialist, changed the game when he took charge of the World Champions’ bowling attack. During the 50-over contest, he took crucial wickets from Andrew Balbirnie (12), Harry Tector (33), Gareth Delany (19), Mark Adair (4), and Joshua Little (20). Hasaranga was the most impressive bowler for Ireland, finishing with figures of 5-79, despite the impressive bowling performances of Barry McCarthy (3-56) and Mark Adair (4-46), both of whom bowled well. Sri Lanka eliminated Ireland from the World Cup qualifiers thanks to his outstanding performance.
With this triumph, Hasaranga accomplished a memorable accomplishment, turning out to be just the second bowler in ODI history to guarantee three continuous five-wicket pulls. In 1990, the legendary pacer Waqar Younis managed to accomplish this feat. Hasaranga finished second on the list of bowlers with the most expensive five-wicket hauls, behind Adil Rashid of England, with 5/79. In addition to securing Sri Lanka’s spot in the Super Six stage of the 2024 World Cup, his exceptional bowling performance also rewrote records.
The other teams in Group B were affected by Sri Lanka’s easy victory as well. Scotland and Oman, who finished behind Sri Lanka, got into the World Cup in 2024 with the Asia Cup winners. These teams overcame fierce competition to earn a spot in the prestigious tournament, and their performances in the qualifiers demonstrated their resolve and skill.
Hasaranga’s impact during the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe was undeniable. In just three matches, the spinner took 16 wickets. Sri Lanka’s success and their qualification for the upcoming World Cup were greatly aided by his consistent ball skills.
As Sri Lanka commended their accomplishment and was ready for the Very Six phase, Ireland needed to consider their excursion and refocus for future open doors. Despite the fact that this match ended their World Cup hopes, Ireland’s progress in the qualifiers demonstrated the intense competition and unpredictable nature of the sport.
Sri Lanka secured their spot in the 2024 World Cup thanks to Wanindu Hasaranga’s match-winning five-wicket haul against Ireland. Hasaranga’s exceptional form, in which he set a world record for consecutive five-fors, established him as one of the best spin bowlers in one-day internationals. The stage was set for an exciting World Cup in India, where Sri Lanka, Scotland, and Oman advanced from Group B.
