Sri Lanka Secure Comfortable Win Over Ireland in Colombo

Sri Lanka outclassed Ireland by 20 runs in the 6th match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Ireland won the toss and invited Sri Lanka to bat first.

Earlier, Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara gave Sri Lanka a solid start, but Mishara got out in the 4th over. Sri Lanka put 163/6 on the scoreboard in 20 overs with the help of a blazing half-century by Kusal Mendis and a fiery knock by Kamindu Mendis, who scored 44 runs off just 19 balls. George Dockrell (2/17 in 4 overs) proved to be the most successful as well as the most economical bowler for Ireland.

In reply, Ireland also lost their first wicket in the 4th over, and later they were 56/2 after 8 overs. Harry Tector, Ross Adair, and Lorcan Tucker showed brief resistance before Maheesh Theekshana (3/23 in 4 overs) and Wanindu Hasaranga (3/25 in 4 overs) demolished Ireland’s batting line-up. Matheesha Pathirana also took two wickets.

In the end, Ireland fell short by 20 runs, and Sri Lanka won the match. Sri Lanka started their campaign on a positive note.

Brief Scorecard

Sri Lanka (SL) : 163/6 (20)

Kusal Mendis 56*(43), Kamindu Mendis 44(19), Pathum Nissanka 24(23);

George Dockrell 2/17(4), Barry McCarthy 2/40(3)

Ireland (Ire) : 143 (19.5)

Harry Tector 40(34), Ross Adair 34(23), Lorcan Tucker 21(18);

Maheesh Theekshana 3/23(4), Wanindu Hasaranga 3/25(4)

Player of the Match: Kamindu Mendis

Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis played brilliantly. Sri Lanka got the advantage of home conditions, but Ireland also gave their best. Harry Tector and Ross Adair tried their best. Even Lorcan Tucker fought for a brief period, but the dangerous spell by Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga ended Ireland’s struggle. George Dockrell also bowled well. Ireland needs to work hard on their bowling. The way Barry McCarthy bowled that lengthy over is an important issue for the Ireland team. They need to work hard to bowl better under pressure. Be ready for more action. Stay tuned with JUSZNEWS for regular updates!