Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 9th February 2026, 5:17 AM
Sri Lanka began their T20 World Cup campaign on a victorious note, overcoming Ireland in a thrilling contest on Sunday. A measured half-century by Kusal Mendis, complemented by a late cameo from Wanindu Hasaranga, gave the Lankans a competitive total, which their bowlers defended with disciplined precision in the death overs. Ireland, chasing 164, fell short by 20 runs, finishing at 143 all out with one ball remaining.
Batting first, Sri Lanka struggled early as wickets fell at regular intervals, reaching 86 for 4 in 13.5 overs. Kusal Mendis, however, anchored the innings with a composed 56 not out from 43 balls, including five boundaries, while Wanindu Hasaranga injected momentum with 44 runs off just 19 deliveries, striking two sixes and four fours. Pathum Nissanka contributed a brisk 24 from 23 balls, helping Sri Lanka post a competitive 163 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Ireland’s reply began with early trouble, losing Paul Stirling in the fourth over. Nevertheless, Ross Adair and Harry Tector steadied the innings, forging a 50-run partnership. Adair was dismissed for 34 from 23 balls at 56 for 2, after which Tector combined with Rodd Tuck to offer Ireland hope of a chase. Despite a second 50-run partnership between Tector and Tuck, Ireland’s innings faltered in the final overs, losing five wickets for just 21 runs after reaching 105 for 2. Tector top-scored with 40 from 34 balls, Tuck added 21, and Curtis Campher managed 13.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers were clinical in the closing stages. Mahesh Theekshana claimed 3 wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs, while Wanindu Hasaranga matched his haul, conceding just 25 runs. Matheesha Pathirana supported with two wickets, ensuring Ireland never regained the upper hand.
| Team | Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Wickets | Overs | Runs Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | Kusal Mendis | 56* | 43 | 5 | 0 | – | – | – |
| Sri Lanka | Wanindu Hasaranga | 44 | 19 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 25 |
| Sri Lanka | Pathum Nissanka | 24 | 23 | 3 | 0 | – | – | – |
| Ireland | Harry Tector | 40 | 34 | 2 | 0 | – | – | – |
| Ireland | Rodd Tuck | 21 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Ireland | Curtis Campher | 13 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Sri Lanka, in Group B, will next face Oman, while Ireland prepare to take on Australia in their upcoming fixture. With a strong start, Dasun Shanaka’s side will look to build momentum and consolidate their position in a highly competitive group.
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