Sri Lanka Begin T20 World Cup Campaign with Gritty 20-Run Win over Ireland

Colombo, Feb 2026 : Sri Lanka opened their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 20-run victory over Ireland in a Group B encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, delighting a passionate home crowd. The co-hosts showcased resilience with the bat and discipline with the ball to register an important early win in the tournament.

Asked to bat first after Ireland won the toss and chose to bowl, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 163 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was held together by wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis, who played a composed knock of 56 not out off 43 balls, striking five boundaries and anchoring the innings through difficult phases. Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals, particularly during the middle overs, as Ireland’s bowlers kept things tight.

Openers Pathum Nissanka (24) and Kamil Mishara (14) provided a steady start, but Ireland struck back through disciplined spin bowling. George Dockrell was particularly effective, finishing with impressive figures of 2 for 17, while Barry McCarthy chipped in with 2 for 40. For a long stretch, boundaries dried up and Sri Lanka appeared in danger of falling short of a defendable total.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the closing overs when Kamindu Mendis launched a counterattack. His blistering 44 off just 19 balls, including four fours and two sixes, lifted Sri Lanka past the 160 mark and proved decisive. The late surge ensured Sri Lanka had enough runs on the board to challenge Ireland.

In response, Ireland’s chase began with promise but faltered under sustained pressure. Harry Tector top-scored with 40 off 34 balls, while Ross Adair contributed a brisk 34 off 23. However, Sri Lanka’s spin duo took control in the middle overs. Captain Wanindu Hasaranga claimed 3 for 25, while Maheesh Theekshana picked up 3 for 23, triggering a collapse that derailed the chase.

Despite brief partnerships, Ireland were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs, with Matheesha Pathirana (2/26) sealing the win in the final over. The victory gives Sri Lanka a confident start to their World Cup journey and underlines their strength at home conditions.

Team Maverick.