Skipper Kaminu Mendis's all-round show and opener Dhananjaya Lakshan's unbeaten century propelled Sri Lanka to a convincing seven-wicket win over Ireland to kick start their campaign. Ireland opted to bat first with the game being reduced to 48-overs-a-side contest due to early rain.

Openers Jamie Grassi (75) and Mark Donegan (36) helped their side to a solid start with a 73-run partnership but the latter fell in 20th over, triggering a collapse. Mendis picked up three wickets as Ireland could manage only 207. Having done so well with the ball, Sri Lanka's batsmen gave the team a mini scare as Aaron Cawley's twin strikes had the Asian team reeling 51 for 3 in 12 overs.

Lakshan and Mendis then joined hands for a third-wicket partnership worth 157 to guide their team home without any further hiccups. Lakshan hit eight boundaries and a the only six of Sri Lanka's chase, while Mendis slammed six fours in his 73-ball 74 not out.

Brief scores: Ireland 207/8 in 48 overs (Jamie Grassi 75; Kamindu Mendis 3-35) lost to Sri Lanka 208/3 in 37.3 overs (Dhananjaya Lakshan 101*, Kamindu Mendis 74*; Aaron Cawley 2-26) by 7 wickets. (Game reduced to 48 overs per side due to rain).