<strong>Ireland tour of Sri Lanka 2023 Cricket Prediction | 1st Test: Sri Lanka vs Ireland</strong>

Sri Lanka vs Ireland at a glance

• Ireland has never won a Test match in its history, and their batters struggle on turns.
• Ireland’s top batter, Paul Stirling, is missing from this Test Match, reducing their batting strength.
• Sri Lanka will play in their own home, and they have a formidable spin attack that will cause problems for the Irish.

Sri Lanka vs Ireland Team Preview

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka will try to grab an early lead against Ireland in the first Test of the two-match series. Both teams are coming into this game after losing their last series. Sri Lanka had a disappointing tour of New Zealand, unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Ireland had a poor visit to Bangladesh. In these conditions, Sri Lanka has always been a difficult opponent. The hosts would like to get the series off to a good start and rebuild their confidence.

In this encounter, Oshada Fernando and Karunaratne will try to create a solid foundation for the team. The middle order is experienced, with Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, and Dinesh Chandimal looking to score runs. Lasith Embuldeniya and Ramesh Mendis have performed admirably in similar circumstances in the past and will be crucial. This bowling attack is rounded out by Jayasuriya and Dhananjaya de Silva.

Ireland

Ireland has never won a Test Match in their brief history as a Test nation. With a win, the team will be able to remove this monkey off its back. Their batters struggled against spin bowlers in the latest Test Match in Bangladesh. The same fate awaits them in this match. The Irish captain wants his batters to show spirit and put runs on the board in order to challenge the hosts.

To win this game, Andrew Balbirnie’s team will need to put up an outstanding performance. Balbirnie is the team’s most experienced player, and he must keep the innings going by forming partnerships with Harry Tector and Curtis Campher. Their bowling attack will struggle in these conditions, and they will need a strong opening burst from Mark Adir and Graham Hume. The most essential bowlers for the team will be Benjamin White and McBrine, and they must perform well.

Sri Lanka vs Ireland Team Playing Squads

Sri Lanka Squads

  
Sri Lanka Squads

Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Nishan Madushka (wk), Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Ramesh Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando, and Lasith Embuldeniya.

Ireland Squads

Ireland Squads

Andrew Balbirnie (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Murray Commins, James McCollum, Peter Moor, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, and Benjamin White.

Sri Lanka vs Ireland Team Form in Last 5 Matches

Sri Lanka vs Ireland outfield report

  Galle International Stadium Galle

The teams who bat first have won the majority of games at this venue. The captain who wins the toss should bat first on this wicket.

On the first day, the weather in Galle is forecast to range between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius. The weather will be warm and bright during the Test.

The pitch at Galle International Stadium is ideal for a spin. The ball tends to grip off the surface, thus batters must be on their toes when batting here. The spinners are expected to play a significant role in the first Test.

Sri Lanka vs Ireland Final Prediction

Winning the toss

• Sri Lanka

Player of the Match

• Sri Lanka – Dimuth Karunaratne

Most sixes

• Sri Lanka – Dimuth Karunaratne
• Ireland – Harry Tector

Most wickets

• Sri Lanka – Prabath Jayasuriya 
• Ireland – Andy McBrine

Most runs

• Sri Lanka – Dimuth Karunaratne 
• Ireland – Harry Tector

Team Scores Batting First

• Sri Lanka – 330+
• Ireland – 230+

According to our prediction, Sri Lanka will win this match.