Overview:
This win gives Sri Lanka a confident start in Group B and strengthens their position early in the tournament.
Sri Lanka defeated Ireland by 20 runs in a Group B match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on February 8 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Sri Lanka started their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a solid win over Ireland, who dropped 7 catches, giving Sri Lanka too many chances to control the game. On a surface that slowed down as the match progressed, Sri Lanka judged the conditions better and made their plans work.
Ireland won the toss and opted to bowl first on a Premadasa pitch that offered grip and turn, especially in the second half of the innings. Ireland kept taking wickets of Sri Lanka at regular intervals early on, but the co-host nation avoided a collapse and focused on building a defendable total.
Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a calm and composed 56 not out, playing the role of stabiliser after early wickets. Kamindu Mendis added crucial late runs with an attacking 44 runs, which helped Sri Lanka reach 163 for 6 in their 20 overs. For Ireland, George Dockrell and Barry McCarthy bowled with discipline and picked two wickets each to keep the scoring under control.
Ireland began their chase with positive intent but found it difficult to keep up once the ball started gripping. Sri Lanka’s spinners took charge in the middle overs, with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana taking three wickets each while bowling tight spells and breaking partnerships at key moments.
Despite resistance from Ireland’s top order, with Ross Adair scoring 34 runs and Harry Tector adding 40 runs to keep the chase on track, the momentum shifted once Hasaranga and Theekshana came into the attack. Their decisive spells broke through Ireland’s middle order, and they were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs, handing Sri Lanka a comfortable 20-run victory.
Full Scorecard – Sri Lanka vs Ireland ICC T20 World Cup 2026, February 8
Sri Lanka 163 for 6 (Kusal 56*, Kamindu 44, Dockrell 2-17, McCarthy 2-40) beat Ireland 143 (Tector 40, Ross Adair 34, Theekshana 3-23, Hasaranga 3-25) by 20 runs
Match Highlights & Key Moments
Ireland’s dropped catches which proved costly and allowed Sri Lanka to recover from a controlled middle phase and add vital runs at the death. The missed chances on Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis turned the momentum, helping Sri Lanka push their total to 163 for 6.
Ireland started the chase steadily, but the game shifted once Sri Lanka’s spinners came into play. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana struck regularly in the middle overs, forcing a collapse and bowling Ireland out for 143 to seal a 20-run win.
Player of the Match
Kamindu Mendis was named the Player of the Match for his 44-run innings in 19 balls.
What This Result Means for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026
This win gives Sri Lanka a confident start in Group B and strengthens their position early in the tournament.
Ireland will look to address their fielding lapses and improve their approach against spin as the tournament progresses.
FAQs – Yesterday’s Sri Lanka vs Ireland ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Q1: Who won yesterday’s Sri Lanka vs Ireland match?
A1: Sri Lanka won by 20 runs against Ireland on February 8, 2026, in Colombo.
Q2: Who was the Player of the Match?
A2: Kamindu Mendis was named the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 44 runs.
Q3: What was the final score of yesterday’s match?
A3: England vs Nepal.
Sri Lanka 163 for 6 (Kusal Mendis 56*, Kamindu Mendis 44, George Dockrell 2-17, Barry McCarthy 2-40)
Ireland 143 (Harry Tector 40, Ross Adair 34, Maheesh Theekshana 3-23, Wanindu Hasaranga 3-25)
Q4: What’s the next fixture for Sri Lanka vs Ireland in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026?
A4: Sri Lanka will play against Oman on February 12 in Pallekele.
Ireland will play against Australia on February 11 in Colombo.