T20 World Cup 2026: Mendis Brothers Power Sri Lanka to 20-Run Victory Over Ireland

In a compelling Group B clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 , Sri Lanka began their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 20-run victory over Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 8, 2026. The hosts produced a well-rounded performance with both bat and ball to underline their intent in the global tournament, while Ireland’s spirited resistance was not enough to avoid dismissal in the final over.

Ireland won the toss and chose to field, inviting Sri Lanka to set the tempo in the first innings. The hosts made a steady start during the powerplay, with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara laying a solid foundation. However, timely breakthroughs from Ireland’s spinners - particularly George Dockrell - applied pressure during the middle overs, reducing Sri Lanka to 104 for 4 after 16 overs.

At this critical juncture, the left-handed Kamindu Mendis and veteran wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis took control, combining for a vital 67-run partnership off 30 balls that shifted momentum back to the hosts. Kamindu was initially reprieved on 14 but made Ireland pay by accelerating at will, scoring 44 off just 19 balls with a flurry of boundaries. Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten on 56 off 43 balls, anchoring the innings and guiding Sri Lanka to a competitive 163 for 6 in their 20 overs.

Ireland’s reply began with optimism, with Paul Stirling and Ross Adair providing a measured start. However, the introduction of Sri Lanka’s spin attack changed the narrative. Wanindu Hasaranga, playing through a hamstring issue, bowled with remarkable control and claimed 3 for 25 from his full quota, including the key wickets of Adair and Harry Tector. Maheesh Theekshana supported brilliantly, taking 3 for 23, as Ireland struggled to maintain their chase under increasing pressure.

Despite valiant efforts from Tector (40) and Adair (34), Ireland’s momentum stalled in the closing overs. Loss of wickets at crucial junctures, coupled with Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling, saw Ireland bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs, falling short by 20 runs in a pulsating bi-course.

Fielding proved decisive, with Ireland’s seven dropped catches proving costly, allowing Sri Lanka to add valuable runs at the death. The hosts capitalised on these chances and leveraged their spin strength on a surface that offered variable bounce and turn.

Off the field, Sri Lanka’s victory sends a message to Group B rivals that they are not just co-hosts but genuine contenders in this format, especially with a deep spin arsenal and experienced campaigners like the Mendis brothers firing early. For Ireland, despite the loss, there were encouraging signs in the chase that will be useful as they look to regroup for upcoming fixtures.

The match highlighted the importance of converting pressure situations, a factor Sri Lanka executed better on this occasion. As the T20 World Cup progresses, both teams will look to refine their strategies but this win gives Sri Lanka a valuable early boost on home soil.