Sri Lanka win their first T20 World Cup game against Ireland with a comfortable 20-run victory.
Sri Lanka began their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a solid 20-run victory over Ireland in the sixth Group B match at Colombo on February 8. Defending a total of 163, the hosts produced a disciplined bowling performance to bowl Ireland out for 143 in 19.5 overs under lights at the R Premadasa Stadium.
Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka posted 163 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Kusal Mendis, who played a calm and responsible knock. The wicketkeeper-batter remained unbeaten on 56 off 43 balls, striking five fours and holding the innings together as wickets fell at the other end.
Sri Lanka lost an early wicket when Kamil Mishara was dismissed for 14, followed by Pathum Nissanka, who scored 24 before falling in the eighth over. Pavan Rathnayake and Dunith Wellalage failed to convert their starts, leaving Sri Lanka at 86 for 4 after 13.5 overs.
Kamindu Mendis Heroics Lift Sri Lanka’s Total
The momentum shifted sharply in the death overs thanks to Kamindu Mendis, who played a blistering cameo. He smashed 44 off just 19 balls, including four fours and two sixes, striking at an impressive rate of over 230. His partnership with Kusal Mendis lifted Sri Lanka past the 150 mark.
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Captain Dasun Shanaka was dismissed for a first-ball duck, but Sri Lanka finished strongly to reach 163 for 6. George Dockrell was the standout bowler for Ireland, returning figures of 2 for 17 from four overs.
Ireland’s chase never fully settled despite a few promising partnerships. Captain Paul Stirling was dismissed early for 6 by Maheesh Theekshana. Ross Adair counter-attacked with a quick 34 off 23 balls, while Harry Tector top-scored for Ireland with 40 off 34 deliveries. Lorcan Tucker added 21, and Curtis Campher chipped in with 13, but regular wickets kept pushing Ireland behind the required rate.
Theekshana, Hasaranga Dominate
Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the wickets effectively. Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga led the attack with three wickets each. Hasaranga struck at crucial moments to break partnerships, while Theekshana’s control in the powerplay and middle overs applied constant pressure. Matheesha Pathirana picked up two wickets at the death, and Dushmantha Chameera claimed one.
Ireland were bowled out for 143 with one ball remaining, handing Sri Lanka a well-earned 20-run win. The victory gave the hosts a confident start to their Group B campaign, combining a composed batting effort with disciplined bowling.
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