Sri Lanka vs Ireland: Mendis Pair and Spin Trio Power 20-Run Victory in T20 World Cup 2026

Sri Lanka opened their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a controlled 20-run win over Ireland in Colombo, turning a mid-innings struggle into a decisive result through a late batting surge and sharp spin bowling under lights at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

After asking to bat first, Sri Lanka labored early on a slow track where stroke-making never looked easy. Ireland’s attack reduced the hosts to trouble in the middle overs. With boundaries drying up and wickets falling at regular intervals, the innings needed a shift in tempo.

That change came through Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis. Kamindu broke the squeeze, racing to 44 from 19 balls and targeting the straight boundary. Kusal Mendis held the structure, finishing unbeaten on 56 off 43 deliveries. Their rapid stand in the closing overs pushed Sri Lanka to 163 for 6, a total that looked above par given the surface.

Ireland’s chase began with positive intent. Ross Adair’s brisk 34 and a steady partnership between Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker kept the equation manageable. At 94 for 2 after 13 overs, Ireland were slightly ahead of the curve and forcing Sri Lanka to rethink their options.

The game swung when the hosts went back to spin. Wanindu Hasaranga (3/25), managing a visible fitness concern, still delivered a high-skill spell, mixing pace and length to remove set batters and break momentum. Maheesh Theekshana (3/23) complemented him perfectly from the other end, striking at key moments and denying easy rotation. Ireland’s middle order stalled, then slipped.

With the asking rate climbing sharply, Matheesha Pathirana closed the door at the death, firing in yorkers and pace-off balls to finish off the lower order. Ireland were bowled out for 143 off the second last delivery, falling short after being well placed.