COLOMBO (Kashmir English): Co-hosts Sri Lanka secured a hard-fought 20-run victory against Ireland in their opening Group B match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.
After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka overcame a mid-innings slump to post a competitive 163/6. Despite a strong start to the chase by Ireland’s middle order, Sri Lankan spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga caused a collapse that saw Ireland bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs.
Sri Lanka’s innings was anchored by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, who remained unbeaten with a gritty 56 off 43 balls.
The hosts struggled significantly during the middle overs, going 57 deliveries without a boundary as Irish spinners, led by George Dockrell (2-17), tightened their grip.
The momentum shifted in the final four overs, largely due to Kamindu Mendis, who hit 44 off 19 deliveries. Benefiting from several Irish fielding lapses, including five dropped catches, the pair added 59 runs in the closing stages to set a target of 164.
Ireland’s collapse in their World Cup opener
Ireland’s pursuit began poorly with skipper Paul Stirling falling for just 6. However, Ross Adair (34) and Harry Tector (40) kept the team on track, at one stage reaching 105/2 and threatening an upset.
The game tilted back to the co-hosts when Wanindu Hasaranga—who battled through an apparent hamstring injury—and Maheesh Theekshana claimed three wickets apiece.
Ireland’s lower order crumbled under the pressure of the rising run rate, losing their final seven wickets for just 38 runs.
This was the sixth match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group stage.
