T20 World Cup: Paul Sterling laments lack of clinical edge in World Cup defeat to Sri Lanka

Ireland captain Paul Sterling said his side lacked edge in vital periods of the match as they lost by 20 runs to co-host Sri Lanka in their opening Group B match of the T20 World Cup.

Ireland dropped five catches and a late catch from Colombo as Sri Lanka made 163-6 and were on a good run at 105-2 before collapsing to 143 all out.

“We thought they got 15-20 [runs] Too many. “At the start of the day we will be happy to chase 160,” Sterling said.

“When the game was on the line we weren’t as decisive as we wanted to be. We were a bit sloppy on the pitch which was disappointing.

“Experience says. Sri Lanka team at the end of the two innings, that was really the difference.

“Those 20 runs – they defended well at the back end. We had a lot of wickets in hand, we thought we were in good positions all the way through and they really upped the ante and put the pressure on.”

“You can sit back and think and pick those 20 shots from anywhere. They were 20 points better than us the entire game.”

Australia are Ireland’s next opponents on Wednesday as they seek a top-two finish to secure a place in the Super 8s.

Spain dominated Sunday’s match at R Premadasa Stadium and Sterling believes that can continue into the tournament.

“I think spin will be a challenge in this competition.

“It certainly wasn’t coming off the bat as much as it could have. The spin is going to dominate phases of this game.”