Sri Lanka launched their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a disciplined 20-run victory over Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. After being asked to bat first, the home side recovered from a sluggish start to post a competitive 163/6. The innings was revitalized by a dynamic display from Kamindu Mendis, who smashed 44 off just 19 balls, and an essential unbeaten half-century from Kusal Mendis.
Sri Lanka edge past Ireland by 20 runs
Sri Lanka’s total was further bolstered by several missed opportunities from the Irish fielders under the floodlights, which allowed the hosts to finish their 20 overs on a high note. In response, Ireland’s chase showed flashes of promise but ultimately crumbled under the pressure of Sri Lanka’s elite spin attack, finishing at 143 all out in 19.5 overs. Ross Adair provided an aggressive start with a quick 34, and Harry Tector anchored the middle order with a steady 40, but the team struggled to maintain the required run rate as wickets fell at regular intervals. The victory was largely secured by the clinical performances of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga. The spin duo was exceptional, with Theekshana claiming 3/23 and Hasaranga taking 3/25 over their respective four-over spells. Their ability to stifle the Irish batters and strike during crucial middle overs ensured that Sri Lanka secured the win and a vital two points to begin their tournament journey.
Ireland run out of steam in chase
Ireland’s pursuit of 164 began with an early setback when captain Paul Stirling was dismissed for just 6 in the fourth over. Stirling had been handed an early reprieve when Kusal Mendis dropped him while he was on 1, but he failed to make the most of the lifeline, eventually falling to a perfectly executed yorker from Maheesh Theekshana. Despite the loss of his partner, Ross Adair kept the scoreboard moving with a flurry of boundaries, racing to 29 off 16 balls and guiding Ireland to a promising 45/1 by the end of the powerplay. The momentum shifted back toward the hosts when Wanindu Hasaranga was introduced into the attack. The veteran leg-spinner made an immediate impact in his opening over, outfoxing the well-set Adair with a sharp googly that crashed into the stumps. Following Adair's departure, Harry Tector took over the mantle of the chase, showing great composure to guide Ireland to 72/2 at the ten-over mark. At that stage, the equation was balanced, with Ireland requiring 92 runs from the final 60 deliveries. However, the mounting pressure of the required run rate eventually took its toll. Hasaranga struck the decisive blow in the 16th over by removing Tector for 40, effectively ending Ireland's resistance. Deprived of their anchor, the Irish middle and lower order collapsed in rapid succession against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling. The innings fell apart completely as the last few wickets tumbled cheaply, leaving Ireland all out for 143 and handing the co-hosts a comfortable opening win.