Sri Lanka will play the opening match of the ICC Cricket T20 World Cup qualifying round against Ireland on 17 October.

The schedule released by the ICC yesterday sees Sri Lanka who are in Group A with Ireland, Netherlands and Namibia play their second and third matches of the qualifying round on 20 October and 22 October against Namibia and Netherlands respectively. Group B comprises Bangladesh, Scotland, Papua New Guinea and Oman. 

The top two teams from each group will qualify to play in the Super 12s and join the other eight teams that have gained automatic qualification by virtue of their ICC T20I rankings.

The T20 World Cup will be held in UAE and Oman from 17 October to 14 November.

We are improving as a team, hope to win today: Shanaka