Cricket:Ed Joyce and Alex Cusack turned in fine displays to ensure the Ireland T20 cricket team's second win in two days as they comfortably defeated Sri Lanka 'A' in Colombo.
New bowling coach Craig McDermott will have been delighted by the performance of his charges, as Alex Cusack (3-11) and Boyd Rankin (2-13) both impressed as Sri Lanka ‘A’ were restricted to a below par 105-9 in their 20 overs. There was further good news as Middlesex’s Tim Murtagh (1-24) picked up his first wicket in Irish colours.
Angelo Perera (32) and Thilina Kandamby (21) were the only Sri Lankan batsmen to offer any serious resistance. In reply the Ireland XI coasted to a comprehensive seven wicket win despite the early losses of skipper William Porterfield and Niall O’Brien.
Ed Joyce top scored with an unbeaten 53 from just 39 balls, while Kevin O’Brien struck a powerful 28 not out from just 19 deliveries as the win was secured with 34 balls to spare.