Colombo, February 8: The T20 World Cup 2026 match between Sri Lanka and Ireland is taking place at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Sri Lanka has set a target of 164 runs for Ireland to chase.
Ireland won the toss and opted to bowl first. Sri Lanka struggled to get a strong start, with Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara managing only 28 runs in the first four overs for the opening wicket. Mishara was dismissed for 14 runs off 11 balls, becoming the first wicket to fall.
Following this, Nissanka and Kusal Mendis formed a partnership of 34 runs off 26 balls for the second wicket, bringing the score to 62. Sri Lanka lost their second wicket when Nissanka was out for 24 runs off 23 balls.
Wickets fell quickly for Sri Lanka as Pawan Rathnayake (5 runs) and Dunith Wellalage (10 runs) were dismissed in succession. At 86 runs for four wickets in 13.5 overs, Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis steadied the innings with a partnership of 67 runs for the fifth wicket. Kamindu Mendis played a brisk innings, scoring 44 runs off 19 balls.
Kusal Mendis remained not out, contributing significantly to the team’s total. Coming in at number three, the wicketkeeper-batsman scored 56 runs off 43 balls, including five boundaries, helping Sri Lanka reach a total of 163 runs for the loss of six wickets.
For Ireland, Barry McCarthy and George Dockrell each took two wickets, while Mark Adair and Gareth Delany claimed one wicket apiece.
Ireland’s batting lineup is strong, so Sri Lanka will need tight bowling and excellent fielding to defend their score of 163 runs.