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Sri Lanka score easy 8-wicket win over Ireland

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St. George's (Grenada): Farveez Mahroof took three wickets in an over as Sri Lanka sailed to an easy eight-wicket victory over Ireland in a Super Eight match of the World Cup at the National Cricket Stadium here the other day.

Sri Lanka - already assured of their place in the semi-finals - bowled out Ireland for a mere 77 runs before reaching 81 for 2 with 40 overs remaining.

Ireland's score of 77 was the lowest in the ongoing tournament and sixth lowest in World Cup history.

Earlier, captain Mahela Jayawardene won the toss and elected to bowl against Ireland. Opener Jeremy Bray top-score for Ireland with 29 (4X4). Muttiah Muralitharan and Maharoof claimed four wickets each as veteran pacer Chaminda Vaas took one.

With just 78 runs required to win, Sri Lanka romped home in just 10 overs, losing two wickets. Opener Sanath Jayasuriya and Jayawardene remained not out on 24 and 39 respectively.