Sri Lanka opened their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign with a 20-run victory over Ireland in Colombo.
Ireland made a strong start after captain Paul Stirling won the toss and elected to bowl. The visitors’ spinners kept Sri Lanka under pressure through the middle overs, with George Dockrell removing Pathum Nissanka and Pavan Rathnayake as the hosts struggled to accelerate. Sri Lanka were restricted to 86 for four in the 14th over and looked set for a below-par total.
However, the match shifted in the closing overs as Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis launched a counterattack. Kamindu struck a rapid 44 off 19 balls while Kusal finished unbeaten with a half-century. Ireland’s fielding errors, including several dropped catches, proved costly as Sri Lanka raced to 163 for six, adding 59 runs in the final four overs.
Chasing 164, Ireland lost Stirling early but Ross Adair kept them competitive with 34 off 23 deliveries. Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker then rebuilt the innings and pushed Ireland past 100, raising hopes of a successful chase.
Sri Lanka’s spinners regained control at a crucial stage. Dunith Wellalage dismissed Tucker before Wanindu Hasaranga removed Tector, sparking a collapse. Maheesh Theekshana added two quick wickets as Ireland were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs.
Theekshana and Hasaranga both claimed three wickets, while Dockrell’s performance with the ball stood out for Ireland. Ireland next face Australia in Group B, while Sri Lanka take on Oman in their following fixture.
