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 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.
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