Sri Lanka defeated Ireland by 20 runs in their Group B clash, Match No. 6 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 8.

Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 163/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a composed 56, while Kamindu Mendis provided late impetus with a blistering 44 off just 19 balls, significantly lifting the scoring rate in the final overs. For Ireland, Barry McCarthy and George Dockrell were the standout bowlers, picking up two wickets each.

In reply, Ireland were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs. Harry Tector top-scored for the visitors with a fighting 40, but the chase never fully gained momentum. Sri Lanka’s spinners proved decisive, with Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga claiming three wickets apiece to seal a comfortable victory for the hosts.

Top Batting performance of the match - Kamindu Mendis

Kamindu Mendis was the standout batting performer of the match. He scored a blistering 44 off just 19 balls, smashing four boundaries and two sixes at an impressive strike rate of 231.58. He also shared a crucial 67-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Kusal Mendis off just 29 balls, ensuring Sri Lanka maintained a strong scoring rate in the latter stages of the innings.

Top Bowling performance of the match - Maheesh Theekshana

Maheesh Theekshana was the standout bowling performer of the match. He finished with impressive figures of 3/23 from his four overs at an economy rate of 5.80. The off-spinner removed key batters Paul Stirling, Benjamin Calitz, and Gareth Delany, playing a decisive role in sealing Sri Lanka’s victory.

Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved

• A total of 25 overs of spin were bowled in the Sri Lanka vs Ireland match, making it the fourth-highest number of spin overs delivered in a T20 World Cup game.
• Wanindu Hasaranga became the second-highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history, reaching the milestone of 40 wickets.
• Hasaranga also claimed three or more wickets in an innings for the seventh time in the tournament, equalling Shakib Al Hasan for the most such instances.
• The 19th over bowled by Barry McCarthy, which consisted of 11 deliveries, is the joint-most balls bowled in a single over in T20 World Cup history, alongside five other instances.
• Dasun Shanaka registered his 16th duck in T20 internationals, the most by any player in the format.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Kamindu Mendis was named Player of the Match for his brilliant cameo against Ireland. His explosive late-order runs helped Sri Lanka post a competitive total and played a crucial role in securing the victory.

What is the next match?

The next match of the T20 World Cup 2026 will see Scotland take on Italy on February 9 in Kolkata. Sri Lanka will play their next fixture against Oman on February 12 in Pallekele, while Ireland are set to face Australia on February 11 in Colombo.