Sri Lanka commenced their ICC T20 World Cup campaign with a hard-fought victory over Ireland, thanks to a composed innings from Kusal Mendis and a late cameo from Kamindu Mendis that provided the team with a competitive total. Ireland appeared well-placed during their chase but could not penetrate the disciplined Sri Lankan bowling in the final overs, ultimately falling short by 20 runs.
The match, played on Sunday, was the sixth of the tournament. Sri Lanka batted first and posted 163 for six in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Ireland were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs, leaving them agonisingly close yet unable to reach the target. Kamindu Mendis was the star performer with the bat, scoring a quick 44 off just 19 deliveries, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Sri Lanka’s innings had started cautiously, losing four wickets for just 86 runs in 13.5 overs. Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with patience at one end, while Kamindu Mendis accelerated in the latter stages, hitting two sixes and four boundaries to give the team a fighting total.
Kusal Mendis was the top scorer for Sri Lanka, finishing unbeaten on 56 off 43 balls, including five boundaries. Pathum Nissanka contributed a brisk 24 off 23 deliveries. For Ireland, Mark Adair and George Dockrell picked up two wickets each, providing crucial breakthroughs.
Ireland’s chase began with an early blow as Paul Stirling was dismissed in the fourth over. However, Ross Adair and Harry Tector steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership, with Adair scoring 34 off 23 balls before falling. Tector then partnered with Roderick Tucker, putting together another 50-run stand and keeping Ireland in contention.
Despite this promising platform of 105 for two, Ireland lost five wickets for just 21 runs in the final phase, preventing them from reaching the target. Tector top-scored for Ireland with 40 off 34 balls, while Tucker managed 21 and Curtis Campher contributed 13.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs. Mahesh Theekshana returned impressive figures of 3 for 23 in four overs, while Wanindu Hasaranga matched the tally, conceding 25 runs. Matheesha Pathirana chipped in with two wickets to stifle the Irish chase.
In Group B, Sri Lanka’s next fixture will be against Oman, while Ireland will take on Australia in their upcoming match.
Key Performances:
| Player | Team | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Wickets | Overs | Runs Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kusal Mendis | Sri Lanka | 56* | 43 | 5 | 0 | – | – | – |
| Kamindu Mendis | Sri Lanka | 44 | 19 | 4 | 2 | – | – | – |
| Pathum Nissanka | Sri Lanka | 24 | 23 | 3 | 0 | – | – | – |
| Harry Tector | Ireland | 40 | 34 | 4 | 0 | – | – | – |
| Roderick Tucker | Ireland | 21 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Mahesh Theekshana | Sri Lanka | – | – | – | – | 3 | 4 | 23 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Sri Lanka | – | – | – | – | 3 | 4 | 25 |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Sri Lanka | – | – | – | – | 2 | – | – |