Sri Lanka beat Ireland in T20 World Cup
Sri Lanka defeated Ireland by 20 runs in a thrilling Group B opener of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.
Sri Lanka Set a Competitive Total
Opting to bat first after Ireland won the toss and elected to bowl, Sri Lanka posted 163/6 in their 20 overs. Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with an unbeaten 56 off 43 balls (5 fours), providing stability throughout. Kamindu Mendis provided a late fireworks display, smashing a quick 44 off just 19 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes) to boost the total.
Earlier contributions came from Pathum Nissanka (24) and Kamil Mishara (14), but Ireland's bowlers, led by George Dockrell (2/17) and Barry McCarthy (2/40), kept the scoring in check despite some extras (9).
Ireland's Chase Falls Short
In reply, Ireland were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs. Harry Tector top-scored with 40 off 34 balls, while Ross Adair contributed 34 off 23.
However, Sri Lanka's spinners dominated
Wanindu Hasaranga (3/25) and Maheesh Theekshana (3/23) triggered a middle-order collapse, with Matheesha Pathirana (2/26) finishing the job in the final over.The match saw steady partnerships from Ireland early on, but regular wickets prevented them from building momentum against the home side's varied attack.This victory gives co-hosts Sri Lanka a strong start in Group B, boosting their campaign in front of a passionate Colombo crowd.
Sri Lanka Set a Competitive Total
Opting to bat first after Ireland won the toss and elected to bowl, Sri Lanka posted 163/6 in their 20 overs. Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with an unbeaten 56 off 43 balls (5 fours), providing stability throughout. Kamindu Mendis provided a late fireworks display, smashing a quick 44 off just 19 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes) to boost the total.
Earlier contributions came from Pathum Nissanka (24) and Kamil Mishara (14), but Ireland's bowlers, led by George Dockrell (2/17) and Barry McCarthy (2/40), kept the scoring in check despite some extras (9).
Ireland's Chase Falls Short
In reply, Ireland were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs. Harry Tector top-scored with 40 off 34 balls, while Ross Adair contributed 34 off 23.
However, Sri Lanka's spinners dominated
Wanindu Hasaranga (3/25) and Maheesh Theekshana (3/23) triggered a middle-order collapse, with Matheesha Pathirana (2/26) finishing the job in the final over.The match saw steady partnerships from Ireland early on, but regular wickets prevented them from building momentum against the home side's varied attack.This victory gives co-hosts Sri Lanka a strong start in Group B, boosting their campaign in front of a passionate Colombo crowd.