Sri Lanka vs Ireland Match Prediction & Betting Tips
After disappointing opening defeats for both teams in the qualifying round, both bounced back with super back-to-back victories. Our Sri Lanka vs Ireland betting tips are ready to go ahead of the clash of the comeback kings, which gets underway from 9.30 am IST on Sunday 23rd October at the Blundstone Arena.
The Asia Cup champions were the dark horses for many coming into this tournament, while Ireland have enjoyed a coming-of-age cricketing year. It should be a cracker!
Whether you’re chasing the best live cricket satta rates or looking for the latest team news, our full match preview will ensure you have all the information you need to help inform your cricket betting strategy.
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Betting Tips - Ireland To Win
After success on dry and dustier surfaces in Sri Lanka during the Asia Cup, the Lions are finding it a different kettle of fish on flatter, harder decks in Australia. That’s why we’re siding with a minor upset as part of our Sri Lanka vs Ireland betting tips.
The pitches look like they favour the true-hitting nature of Ireland’s batting line-up, and with recent rain around, the Irish seamers are better equipped to exploit helpful bowling conditions.
Add into the mix the indifferent form of Sri Lanka’s batsmen, and it’s not hard to find enough evidence to support backing Ireland here. The Lions have registered scores of 108, 152/8, and 162/6 so far in this tournament - you sense they will need more to get over the line.
You can back Ireland to win at odds of 3.2, while Sri Lanka are much shorter at odds of 1.34. In our view, the value is obviously with Ireland! The oddsmakers had them at a similar price to beat the West Indies, and a clinical, ruthless display saw them thrash the two-time champions.
Looking for even better returns from our free cricket betting tips? Keep your eye on our bigger-priced selections below - we have picked out some attractively-priced individual markets!
Best Bet: Paul Stirling top Ireland batter
He can blow hot and cold, but Paul Stirling arrived in a big way against the West Indies - hammering 66 runs from 48 balls to totally dominate an experienced attack.
He hasn’t had the best 2022 for Ireland - averaging just 21.77 from 23 innings at an average strike rate of 124.73, but these Australian pitches should suit his power-hitting approach.
You can back the explosive opener to top score for Ireland at odds of 3.5 with Pure Win.
If you fancy a Sri Lankan player to make a mark, it could be worth a cheeky bet on Wanindu Hasaranga to top score for the Lions with the bat. We know he can hold a bat - he hit 71 against Ireland in the previous World Cup, rescuing his side from a precarious position of 8/3.
He’s available at a massive price of 15.5 - you wouldn’t bet against him given the collective form of the rest of the batsmen in the Sri Lankan side.
Sri Lanka Toil To The Super 12s - Can They Kick On?
You have to hope the best is yet to come for the Lions! They were so impressive in the Asia Cup, but team cohesion, balance, and fluidity has been missing so far.
Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka acknowledged his team’s slow start but was full of praise for his team showing the character and resilience to secure qualification, telling post-match reporters: “We knew that when we came to the World Cup we would be the favourites in this group. Unfortunately we missed out in the first game, but we regrouped and we came back strong. Credit to all the boys.”
It’s not been an easy ride for the Sri Lankan selection committee, either. Talismanic pacer Dushmantha Chameera has had to return home from the World Cup after suffering a grade two tear to his calf. He has been replaced by Kasun Rajitha. A hamstring tear to Danushka Gunathilaka has also put paid to his World Cup - his squad replacement is Ashen Bandera.
Both Rajitha and Bandera were not used in the win over the Netherlands.
Player to Watch: Kusal Mendis
A superb, match-winning knock of 79 from 44 balls ensured Sri Lanka had just enough runs on the board to see off the threat of the Netherlands. He hit five fours and five sixes in a blistering knock - has he played himself into form? You can back him to top score for Sri Lanka at odds of 3.85 with Pure Win.
Predicted Playing XI
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando
Ireland Exorcise Demons Of T20 World Cup 2021
The importance of Ireland’s win over the West Indies has not been lost on skipper Andrew Balbirnie, who has labelled it their best-ever win!
Speaking to reporters after the game, Balbirnie was bursting with pride, arguing it was close to a perfect performance.
He said: “It was pretty complete, all our bowlers were really good. We fielded brilliantly and Lorcan [Tucker] and Stirlo finishing it off the way they did with such ease. Last year there was that disappointment but I'm not sure we were playing the kind of cricket that warranted getting through to the next stage. Now we're in a lot better place as a team.”
The Irish have the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from - they’re likely to be unchanged.
Player to Watch: Gareth Delany
The leg spinner was absolutely key to limiting the West Indies to such a gettable total. He snared 3/16 from his four overs - his two-over spell in the middle overs completely choked a misfiring but experienced West Indies team.
If you fancy the wily slow bowler to top the wicket-taking rankings again for his side, you can bet on him at odds of 6.0!
Predicted Playing XI
Andy Balbirnie (c), Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, Simi Singh, Mark Adair, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy.
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Head-to-Head
The Sri Lanka vs Ireland head to head record reads favourably for the Lions - they have won both of the games these two have played.
Both wins came when they set a score - will they opt to bat first if they win the toss?
Rain Could Be A Factor In Hobart
Dark clouds and overcast conditions could dominate the game - fans will be hoping the rain stays away long enough for a full fixture to be completed.
So far in this tournament, the Blundstone Arena has proven a difficult pitch for batting sides to post really imposing totals. The average first innings score in the six games so far at this arena is at 156.8.
Conclusion
We’re opting for a surprise Irish win. It is not the same side that were thrashed by Sri Lanka last year - they’re playing with confidence and have some recent form to call upon.
