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The second match of the two-match test series between Sri Lanka and Ireland got underway on April 24, with Ireland determined to bounce back after losing the first match. Sri Lanka had won the first match, so Ireland needed a win to level the series.
Ireland’s top order collapsed, but the middle order made a fantastic response
Ireland won the toss and chose to bat first at Galle International Stadium. Therefore, they started their batting innings with James McCollum and PJ Moor. Unfortunately, the two openers failed to get a good start for Ireland. They picked up only 12 runs together in the opening wicket. The two openers lost their wickets within ten overs.
However, skipper Andrew Balbirnie tried to handle the situation with Harry Hector. They made a partnership of 46 runs. But Harry Hector departed the crease after scoring only 18 runs. On the other hand, Andrew Balbirnie was superbly calm between the wickets. With Paul Stirling, the captain started changing the momentum. Together they picked up 143 runs to the scoreboard.
Captain Andrew Balbirnie was very unfortunate, missing the century only for five runs. He lost his wicket to Ramesh Mendis after scoring 95 runs. However, Stirling didn’t miss the century. He scored 103 runs before leaving the crease.
However, Lorcan Tucker and Curtis Campher carried the team in the remaining over. Tucker contributed 80 runs to the team, while Curtis Campher scored the highest 111 runs from 229 balls. Before losing the wicket, Campher hit 15 fours and two sixes. Relying on their runs, Ireland ended their first innings with a massive 492 runs.
Karunaratne and Madushka had a strong start
Trailing the target, Sri Lanka had a very good start. Opener Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka ended Day 2 without losing wickets. They made a partnership of 81 runs on Day 2. Captain Dimuth Karunaratne was a bit more aggressive than Nishan Madushka. Karunaratne scored an unbeaten 39 runs from 45 balls. He hit six boundaries.
On the other hand, Nishan Madushka also remained not out in 41 off 64 balls. Relying on their bats, Sri Lanka ended Day 2 with 81 runs. The two openers will continue their innings tomorrow.