Colombo: Kusal Mendis scored a gritty unbeaten half-century, while Kamindu Mendis played a crucial cameo of 44 from 19 balls, as Sri Lanka overcame a sluggish start to post a fighting 163 for 6 in their T20 World Cup clash against Ireland Sunday.

Ireland bowlers, led by George Dockrell (2/17), kept a tight grip on the innings after they opted to bowl.

But Mendis fought a determined rearguard, scoring an unbeaten 56 off 43 deliveries after Sri Lanka had slipped to 68 for 3 by the 11th over.

Kamindu then played a vital hand, smashing four boundaries and two sixes to add respectability to Sri Lanka’s total.

Brief Scores:

Sri Lanka 163 for 5 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 24, Kusal Mendis 56 not out, Kamindu Mendis 44; George Dockrell 2/17, Barry McCarthy 2/40, Gareth Delany 1/24).

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