Joyce knock helps Ireland beat Sri Lanka A in warm-up clash

Ed Joyce's unbeaten 53 helped Ireland beat Sri Lanka A in their latest warm-up clash in Colombo ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 which starts next week.

Alex Cusack produced tidy figures of 3-11 with Boyd Rankin also taking two wickets as the Irish restricted the Sri Lankan second string to 105-9.

Joyce's 53 came from only 39 balls with Kevin O'Brien contributing a typically brisk 28 not out from 19 balls.

Ireland won by seven wickets with 5.4 overs to spare.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons described the win as a "very strong performance against a very good side".

"The bowlers all impressed to set up the win and 105 was never going to be enough," said Simmons.

"Alex Cusack showed his all-round qualities and Ed Joyce looked composed in his first innings on tour while Kevin struck the ball very well.

"It all augurs well for the challenges which we will face in the coming weeks."

Warm-up games for the Irish continue with Thursday's contest against Zimbabwe and next Monday's clash with Bangladesh.

Ireland's Group B fixtures in the competition see them facing Australia in Colombo on 19 September before taking on West Indies five days later.