Sri Lanka have a well-earned reputation for being merciless against Associate nations. After an uncertain start, they added to that at Malahide, reaching 302 for 7 and exposing the lack of variety in Ireland's attack. The upshot was that Ireland were left needing to chase more than 300 for victory, something they have managed against Full Members in the last two World Cups but never in a bilateral match.
For Sri Lanka, it was particularly heartening that two contrasting innings from ODI debutants helped lift them to their score. First Kusal Mendis, doughty as a novice No. 3 in the Test series in England, scored a half-century that exhibited finesse and some resplendent straight driving. Then Dasun Shanaka eschewed such subtlety in harrumphing 42 from 19 balls, including 24 in five deliveries from Max Sorensen.
Both forged substantial partnerships with Dinesh Chandimal, who reached his first ODI century for five years, and just his third overall. That tally does scant justice to his talent, and Chandimal's roar when he reached three figures hinted at his frustration that centuries have not been more forthcoming.
His innings contained some pristine drives, but mostly it was marked by impeccable placement, particularly on the legside. In a sense this innings was a throwback to the age before power hitting came to dominate ODI cricket: in making 102 not out from 109 balls, Chandimal scored only six boundaries by ten twos and 50 singles.
For Ireland, the day brought joy for a debutant of their own. Barry McCarthy owes much to Malahide. A testing spell to Ben Stokes in the net three years ago earned him a recommendation to Durham, and a professional contract. Last year, he became the first Irishman since the 19th Century to play in county cricket before making his international debut.
Many felt it overdue, and McCarthy took only two balls to vindicate them, when Danushka Gunathilaka edged to slip. "It's a beautiful day," belted out the tannoy system. Doubtless it would have felt that way for McCarthy, but it was not: the start had been delayed by a wet outfield, and several more rain showers threatened to curtail play.
Many of an underwhelming crowd - Ireland are unfortunate that both these ODIs coincide with European Championship matches for Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland - were grateful that they had brought in their umbrellas, which should be compulsory for any Irish cricket fans.
McCarthy's day became less wonderful later on, as he felt the wrath of Shanaka's violent assault. With Sri Lanka threatening to approach a near-impregnable score, Boyd Rankin reined them in, as the last four overs of the innings brought just 24 runs.
It was Rankin's first ever ODI for Ireland here, though he played for England against Ireland here three years ago, and his extra pace and bounce was essential in an attack that otherwise lacked variety: the other four frontline bowlers were right-armers operating at around 80mph.
But Ireland have packed their batting, which, on a true pitch, will give them some hope of beginning a new era with a first ever win against a Full Member in Dublin.
(espncricinfo)
