SL vs IRE T20 World Cup Highlights: Theekshana, Hasaranga ensure Sri Lanka see off spirited Ireland in opener
SL vs IRE T20 World Cup Highlights: Ireland were bowled out for 143 runs in reply to Sri Lanka's 163/6. Dasun Shanaka's men started T20 World Cup 2026 with a win despite early concerns.
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Highlights: Sri Lanka beat Ireland by 20 runs in Colombo.
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Highlights: Maheesh Theekshana followed with a double strike and Ireland's chase fell apart after that. They kept losing wickets towards the end of the innings, failing to add any sort of momentum in the closing period. In the end, Ireland were bundled out for 143, as Sri Lanka won their tournament opener by 20 runs....Read More
The fall of Adair did not influence Tector. He kept his cool and batted with composure taking Ireland closer to the target. Lorcan Tucker played a great supporting role forming a solid partnership with Tector. The duo changed the momentum of the game and were taking it away from Sri Lanka, when Wellalage picked up the wicket of Tucker giving the home team the opportunity to comeback. The wicket of Tector soon followed, and it was Hasaranga who provided the breakthrough. That wicket once again tilted the balance in Sri Lanka's favour.
Harry Tector joined Ross Adair in the middle after the departure of Paul Stirling. The duo stabilised the innings after the early loss of a key wicket. Wanindu Hasaranga came into the attack and immediately ended up pulling his hamstring. However, that did not stop him from picking up a wicket. He picked up the much needed wicket of Adair and broke the partnership between Tector and Adair.
In the chase of 164, Ireland made a steady start. Paul Stirling and Ross Adair ensured that Ireland remained without loss in the first three overs. However, immediately in the next over, Maheesh Theekshana got rid-off Paul Stirling and provided Sri Lanka the first break through.
While Kusal Mendis held on one end, Sri Lanka kept losing wickets at the other side. Ireland put Sri Lanka's back to the walls as the home team was left reeling at 87/4 in the 14th over. Kamindu Mendis walked in after this and his presence shifted the momentum of the game. He showed the intent and accelerated the scoring rate propelling the team total over 150. Kusal Mendis batted till the end and remained unbeaten on 56 off 43 deliveries. Sri Lanka finished their innings with 163/6 on the board.
Kusal Mendis joined Nissanka in the middle after the fall of Mishara. The two right-handed batters ensured that Sri Lanka steered through the powerplay without further loss. The partnership was taking things forward steadily and was starting to look dangerous. However, it was George Dockrell who ended the partnership and created the window of opportunity to bring Ireland back into the game. The off spinner followed it up with the wicket of Rathnayake in the next over, exerting further pressure on Sri Lanka.
Ireland won the toss and invited Sri Lanka to bat first. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara looked steady at the beginning, but then found their rhythm getting the team off to a brisk start. However, Mark Adair managed to pick up the wicket of Mishara in the fourth over giving Sri Lanka the first shock of the night.
Tonight’s sixth match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 puts Sri Lanka and Ireland in a straight-up early statement game at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. For the hosts, it’s about setting a tone at home: start crisp, squeeze with spin, and avoid the kind of sloppy chase that turns a group-stage night into a week-long headache. For Ireland, it’s the opposite mission — hang around, keep the scoreboard moving, and wait for one chaotic over to flip the script.
These are the games that look routine on the schedule and then quietly decide who spends the next ten days doing calculator math. Conditions here typically reward discipline more than drama: hard lengths, smart match-ups, and the courage to take singles when the boundary isn’t gifting itself. Watch how Sri Lanka manage the middle overs with their spinners, and how Ireland pace the powerplay without spending all their intent in five minutes.
Playing XIs -
Sri Lanka playing XI
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
Ireland playing XI
Paul Stirling (C), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, Ben Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys
Squads:
Sri Lanka Squad
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan
Ireland Squad
Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young
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- 8 Feb 2026, 10:56:19 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Highlights: Player of the Match
Kamindu Mendis gets the player of the match for an impactful knock. His innings changed the momentum of the game in Sri Lanka's favour.
- 8 Feb 2026, 10:49:48 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: All over!!!!
Matheesha Pathirana picks up the last wicket and that ends the game. Sri Lanka manage to win this match by 20 runs
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- 8 Feb 2026, 10:44:48 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: One more bites the dust
Another wicket falls and Sri Lanka will be feeling safe now. Ireland need 27 runs off the last over to win the game and have only two wickets remaining.
- 8 Feb 2026, 10:40:00 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: The spell of a hero
Wanindu Hasaranga completes his spell. He pulled up his hamstring while bowling the first ball, but he kept fighting. Now, he finishes his four over spell with three wickets while conceding just 25 runs.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 10:37:29 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: There is no stopping Hasaranga
This is a complete collapse for Ireland, now Campher departs. Hasaranga picks up another wicket. From being positioned to command the game, Ireland have completely given this away.
- 8 Feb 2026, 10:32:58 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Hat-trick evaded
George Dockrell evades the hat-trick. But this over has done the damage that was needed for Sri Lanka.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 10:31:44 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: GONE!!! TWO IN TWO!!!!
Ireland is completely losing the plot here. Maheesh Theekshana is on a hat-trick. He has two in two now. This now suddenly looks out of Ireland's reach.
- 8 Feb 2026, 10:30:13 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Ireland falling apart
Maheesh Theekshana gets the wicket of Calitz and this chase is falling apart now for Ireland. They still need 44 runs off 21 deliveries.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 10:24:41 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Hasaranga!!!!! YOU BEAUTY!!!
You cannot just keep him out of the game!!!! He is bowling on leg, but he is still picking up wickets. This time he sends Harry Tector back to the hut. That is a huge wicket and its Sri Lanka's magician who picks that one.
- 8 Feb 2026, 10:22:01 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: TUCKER GONE!!!!
IN THE AIR AND TAKEN!!!! Very very important wicket for Sri Lanka. They have broken the partnership between Tector and Tucker. Sri Lanka now have a chance to sieze the momentum and comeback into this game.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 10:18:28 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Sri Lanka on the back foot
Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker are looking well settled in the middle. They have stuck together a partnership that is making the balance tilt in their favour.
- 8 Feb 2026, 10:10:04 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Wanindu Hasaranga fights for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's mainstay, Wanindu Hasaranga is no where close to his full fitness. But he has arrived at the bowling crease, fighting for his team. If he can get the wicket of Tector here that could really leave a long lasting impression.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 10:03:48 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Ireland progress silently
Ireland are progressing silently towards the target. They need 86 runs off 54 deliveries. Tector is getting settled into his knock here. If he bats till the end, he can take them over.
- 8 Feb 2026, 09:56:50 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Live Cricket Score: Good news!!!
Wanindu Hasaranga is back on the field. That is a big relief for the Sri Lankan management and fans. It will be interesting to see if he bowls.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 09:54:13 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Live Cricket Score: Half way through
So, that is the end of the 10th over. Ireland have found their way to 72/2. They need 92 runs from the next 10 overs. With eight wickets in hand, this looks possible. This game might be going down the wire.
- 8 Feb 2026, 09:50:38 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Live Cricket Score: Hasaranga might not play in the tournament
The extent of that Hasaranga injury seems to be serious. He might not play any further part in this tournament. The Sri Lankan management will have to find a way to get the best of their resources not only in this game but also during the tournament.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 09:45:42 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Hasaranga the magician!!!!
He is practically bowling with one leg, but that does not stop him from getting wickets. Hasaranga deceives Ross Adair with a wrong one and brings back Sri Lanka into the game.
- 8 Feb 2026, 09:43:47 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: UH OH!!!! Not good signs
Wanindu Hasaranga seems to have pulled his hamstring while bowling his first ball of the spell. He got treated and is continuing his spell, but he does not look 100%. This could be a huge set back to Sri Lanka's chances in this match and going forward in the tournament.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 09:37:20 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Stability in Ireland progress
Harry Tector has joined Ross Adair in the middle and the duo are looking to progress steadily. Ireland will look to rotate the strike and hit the occasional boundaries to keep up with the required rate.
- 8 Feb 2026, 09:28:07 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Adair launches that one
IN THE AIR AND SIX!!!!!! WHAT A HIT!!!! Full delivery at the off and middle stump line. Adair goes down on one knee and plays the slog sweep over the mid-wicket region for a maximum. Adair is picking up rhythm here. That catch from Pathirana, that could hurt Sri Lanka.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 09:25:52 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Live Cricket Score: Pathirana drops one
Ross Adair looks to cut a ball from MaheeshTheekshana but gets it off the outside edge. The ball goes to Matheesha Pathirana at short third. He is slow to react to that and ends up parrying it over his head.
- 8 Feb 2026, 09:22:59 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Live Cricket Score: BOWLED HIM!!!!
Maheesh Theekshana strikes and it is the big wicket for Paul Stirling. That is a big blow for Ireland. Full delivery at the middle and leg. Stirling goes down the track and ends up yorking himself. The ball sneaks underneath the bat and crashes onto the leg stump. The Ireland captain walks back to the hut.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 09:13:22 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Live Cricket Score: DROPPED!!!
Kusal Mendis fails to hold onto that edge. That was a huge chance and that too of the danger man Paul Stirling. Will Sri Lanka have to pay for this? Only time will give us the answer.
- 8 Feb 2026, 09:09:58 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Live Cricket Score: Brilliant start from Chameera
Dusmantha Chameera bowls an ideal over to start off for Sri Lanka. He hit right areas and did not allow the batters to get off the block easily. There was a boundary of the last ball, but the rest of the over was tidy. Sri Lanka will be looking for early wickets, especially the one of Paul Stirling. If the Irish captain finds his rhythm, it would be difficult for Sri Lanka to defend this total.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 08:53:35 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Ireland need 164 to win
So, the first innings of this match comes to end. Kusal Mendis's steady knock and Kamindu Mendis's power ensured Sri Lanka went past the 160-mark. A target of 164 on this wicket with the bowling attack Sri Lanka have could be challenging.
- 8 Feb 2026, 08:49:33 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Half-century for Kusal Mendis
A boundary and that is the half-century for Kusal Mendis. He has paced this innings brilliantly. This is 18th fifty in the format. Kusal Mendis has reached the landmark in 40 deliveries. Crucially he held the innings together when the Sri Lankan was going through severe stress test.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 08:47:51 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Hat-trick evaded
19 runs off that over, two wickets. A dot ball to end the over, so, Wanindu Hasaranga evades the hat-trick.
- 8 Feb 2026, 08:46:19 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Two in two for McCarthy
Well this is one heck of an over. No-ball, six, wides, 18 runs off first three balls and then two wickets of two consecutive balls. McCarthy is on a hat-trick here.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 08:42:18 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Kamidu departs
IN THE AIR AND TAKEN!!!! At last Ireland take a catch. Kamindu Mendis departs but not before playing a game changing knock of 44 runs off 19 deliveries. Sri Lanka will be aiming for 170 now and all that because of Kamindu.
- 8 Feb 2026, 08:41:12 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Kamindu, the real hero
Kusal Mendis held one end, but it is Kamindu Mendis who has created chaos in an otherwise well composed Irish bowling attack. 18 runs already off the three balls in the 19th over and that has boosted Sri Lanka's total over 150.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 08:36:56 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Ireland losing it now
A no-ball and four off that. Kamindu Mendis makes full use of that. But Ireland are losing it in the death. Dropped chances, no-balls, poor bowling, they have done everything to bring Sri Lanka back into this game.
- 8 Feb 2026, 08:28:42 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Shift in momentum
Kamindu Mendis has changed this game around for Sri Lanka. Since his arrival their scoring rate has increased and that last over signals a huge shift in momentum. 21 runs came off that over and Sri Lanka are on the way to get well over 150.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 08:26:23 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Chaos all round
Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis are looking accelerate and that is leading to some big shots, mis-timings and some lapses in the field. It is chaos all round in this game at present.
- 8 Feb 2026, 08:23:14 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Time for the last four
So 16 overs have been bowled here. Time for the last four overs of the innings. The Mendis duo is out there and they would be looking to hit at least 13-14 runs per over from here on.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 08:20:58 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: BOUNDARY AT LAST!!!!
So, it is Kamindu Mendis who breaks the shackles. He goes for the reverse sweep and brings up a boundary for Sri Lanka after 57 balls. From here Sri Lanka will target 160 at the least.
- 8 Feb 2026, 08:18:15 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Brilliant from Ireland
It has been nine overs since the last boundary was hit. The Ireland bowlers have shown brilliant control has and have drained out the momentum completely from the Sri Lankan innings.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 08:11:29 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Live Cricket Score: Sri Lanka slide further
In the air and taken!!!! Dunith Wellalage departs now. The pressure was building. The urge to move on with the game and show some intention got the better of the left-handed batter there.
- 8 Feb 2026, 08:03:41 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Live Cricket Score: Ireland spinners strangle Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan batters are finding it hard to time the ball. The boundaries have dried up and the Ireland spinners are showing great control here. Kusal Mendis and Dunith Wellalage need to find a way to get a move on quickly.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 07:56:12 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Live Cricket Score: Onus on Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis becomes vital for Sri Lanka from here on. He has the experience and the game to take the home team to a fighting total from the current position.
- 8 Feb 2026, 07:51:20 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Live Cricket Score: Dockrell strikes again!!!!
Another wicket for Dockrell here!!!! Rathnayake departs trying to play a cute shot. He misjudged the line and length of that delivery. Sri Lanka suddenly letting go of the momentum.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 07:50:04 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: 10 overs done
After a good start, Sri Lanka have seemingly slowed down. They had 50 runs on the board by the end of the sixth over. Since then, they have added just 18 runs to the total.
- 8 Feb 2026, 07:42:35 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Dockrell strikes!!!
Nissanka goes!!!! That is a big blow for Sri Lanka. Ireland will be delighted with that wicket. Even though wickets have not come their way, they have not allowed Sri Lanka to accelerate. The pressure of increasing the scoring rate probable got the better of Nissanka there.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 07:36:32 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Steady progress for the Lions
Nissanka and Mendis are ensuring that they make the most of the solid foundation. The two batters are looking to play percentage cricket in the middle overs, in a bid to put their team ahead in the most crucial phase of the game.
- 8 Feb 2026, 07:30:23 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Powerplay done
After that early loss of Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka have ensured that Sri Lanka steer through the powerplay without further damage. Kusal Mendis changed gears towards the end of the sixth over and ensured that the team 50 was up within the first six overs.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 07:23:58 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: Nissanka takes off
IN THE AIR AND SIX!!!!! Nissanka has had enough of a sighter now. Good length delivery at the off and middle stump. Nissanka goes down on one knee and plays the slog sweep over the square leg region for a maximum.
- 8 Feb 2026, 07:21:27 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup Live Score: WICKET!!!!!
A clever change of pace does the trick for Mark Adair. Kamil Mishara was forced to commit to that shot early and that ultimately resulted in his demise. Sri Lanka lose their first wicket.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 07:15:06 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Live Cricket Score: Dropped!!!!
Good length delivery at the off and middle. Mishara swings across the line and hits in the air and straight into the hands of the man at short mid-wicket. The fielder there fails to hold on to that. At this level of cricket, those catches are expected to be taken.
- 8 Feb 2026, 07:09:57 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Live Cricket Score: Productive over for Sri Lanka
Two boundaries in that over. The intent is there from the Sri Lankan openers. They will be looking to build on the momentum they have found in the first two overs of the innings.
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- 8 Feb 2026, 07:07:40 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Live Cricket Score: First boundary
Mark Adair with the second over. Pathum Nissanka gets the first boundary of the game of the first ball. It was a beautiful shot by the Sri Lankan opener.
- 8 Feb 2026, 07:06:10 PM IST
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Live Cricket Score: Decent start
Matthew Humphreys held his areas there. The Sri Lankan batters were careful to start. So, both teams are gauging each other here.
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