Sri Lankan spinners were clinical in their approach in the T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Ireland. Co-hosts Sri Lanka bowled out Ireland for 143 to begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a comprehensive win. Sri Lankan spinners accounted for seven out of 10 wickets as Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga got three apiece. While Kamindu Mendis was adjudged 'Player of the match' for his 19-ball 44, Hasaranga inched closer to all-time T20 World Cup record for most wickets.
Hasaranga's three-fer helped him move up a few spots to take the second place. He left behind Sri Lanka's current fast bowling coach Lasith Malinga (38 wickets), Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan (38 wickets) who had taken a wicket against New Zealand earlier in the day, and, Pakistan's Shahid Afridi (39 wickets).
Former Pakistan captain Afridi had taken 39 wickets from 34 T20 World Cup games at an average of 23.25, featuring two four-fers. Hasaranga has an exceptional record in T20 World Cups. He has 40 wickets from 20 games at an astounding average of 11.47. Interestingly, he is yet to take a four-fer in T20 World Cups.
Who is highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history?
However, Hasaranga has a long way ahead of him for the top spot. The record for most wickets in T20 World Cup history belongs to Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. The left-arm spinner has claimed 50 wickets from 43 T20Is at an average of 20.12, featuring three four-fers.
Hasaranga’s crucial breakthroughs
On February 8, Hasaranga's three scalps were Ross Adair, Harry Tector, and, Curtis Campher. Adair was knocked over in the eighth over for a 23-ball 34. In the 16th over, Tector fell for a 34-balll 40. In the 18th over, Campher's wicket ruled out any possibility of Ireland making a comeback.
Sri Lanka’s upcoming matches in T20 World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka will go up against Oman in their next clash at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 12. Then, they will go up against Australia at the same venue on February 16. The Dasun Shanaka-led side will travel back to Colombo to take on Zimbabwe on February 19.
However, their is a question mark over Hasaranga who struggled with his hamstring during clash against Ireland.