LONDON, England, CMC – Former captain Mahela Jayawardene smashed an attacking 78 and helped Sri Lanka fend off a brave bid by Ireland to win their ICC World Twenty20 Champ-ionship Super Eight match by nine runs yesterday.

Electing to bat, Sri Lanka gathered 144 for nine off their 20 overs and Ireland delivered a spirited run-chase before falling short at 135 for seven at Lord’s.

The result placed Sri Lanka at the top of the Group F table with maximum four points – ahead of New Zealand and Pakistan — and stretched their unblemished record in the tournament to 4-0. The Irish, coached by former West Indies batsman Phil Simmons, are now virtually out of contention.

Apart from Jayawardene’s 78, which came off 53 balls, laced with nine fours and one six, veteran Sanath Jayasuriya was the only other notable scorer for Sri Lanka with 27 as medium pacer Alex Cusack snared four for 18, backed up by Boyd Rankin (2-27) and Kyle McCallan (2-33).

Ireland’s captain William Porterfield was one of three players getting 31 in Ireland’s bid for victory. He added 59 for the first wicket with Niall O’Brien, who also scored 31.

John Mooney, with an unbeaten 31, also tried for the Irish but fiery pacer Lasith Malinga, with two for 19 off four overs and spinner Ajantha Mendis (2-22) ensured victory for the Sri Lankans.