Sri Lanka put on a stunning display in the second and final Test against Ireland, claiming an impressive innings-and-10-run victory at the Galle International Stadium to take the series 2-0. Although Ireland posted an impressive 492 while batting first, they were unable to overcome the dominant hosts, who celebrated their 100th Test win in style.
On winning the toss, Ireland elected to bat on what was a pitch loaded in favour of the batters. Despite a poor start by the openers, Ireland nearly got to 500 thanks to brilliant centuries from Paul Stirling and Curtis Campher, as well as crucial contributions from Andrew Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker. Prabath Jayasuriya shone with the ball for Sri Lanka, claiming a five-wicket haul.
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In reply, Sri Lanka put up a staggering total of 704-3 before declaring on the fourth day. The Sri Lankan top order put on a show, with all four batsmen scoring centuries, a feat that has only been achieved three times in Test history. Dimuth Karunaratne scored 115, Nishan Madushka notched up an impressive 205, Kusal Mendis top-scored with a magnificent 245, and Angelo Mathews added an unbeaten century before the declaration.
After conceding a lead of 212 runs, Ireland found themselves in a difficult position, where only a draw or a Sri Lankan victory was possible. On the final day, Ireland resumed their second innings on 54-2, with hopes of securing a draw on a pitch that was still good for batting.
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Harry Tector valiantly fought a rearguard action on the last day, scoring 85 and forging a 41-run partnership for the ninth wicket. Ramesh Mendis’ impressive 5-64 led to Ireland’s eventual downfall, as they were bundled out for a 202 to lose by an innings. It was Ireland’s sixth consecutive defeat since they became a Test-playing nation in May 2018.