Sri Lanka Dominate Ireland by 32 Runs in Convincing T20 World Cup Victory

Sri Lanka kicked off their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on home soil with a solid 32-run win over Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, blending disciplined bowling with steady batting to secure a comfortable victory in Group B. Pathum Nissanka’s anchoring 68 off 52 balls and Charith Asalanka’s quick 45* off 28 propelled Sri Lanka to 178/6, before Wanindu Hasaranga’s 4/21 and Maheesh Theekshana’s 3/18 bundled out Ireland for 146/8 despite Harry Tector’s fighting 41. This result handed Sri Lanka two points and a healthy net run rate boost in a tough group featuring Australia, Zimbabwe, and Oman. A passionate capacity crowd of over 35,000 created an electric atmosphere under Colombo’s floodlights, with Sri Lankan flags waving as the hosts celebrated a professional all-round display on a spin-friendly track.

The R. Premadasa Stadium, under humid February night conditions with significant dew aiding the second innings, produced a moderate-scorer with around 324 runs but firmly controlled by Sri Lanka’s spin attack. The pitch — offering early grip and turn for spinners, slowing further — favored bowling variations, making aggressive batting tough and defense challenging. Charith Asalanka’s decision to bat first after winning the toss was vindicated, building a defendable total before dew complicated matters. For Ireland captain Paul Stirling, the defeat was competitive but expected, a gritty effort against a superior side; for Asalanka, it was gratifying, a balanced team performance to start strong. As Hasaranga claimed his final wicket amid roaring cheers, the group narrative positioned Sri Lanka as early favorites in their backyard.

Sri Lanka XI Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara

Ireland XI Paul Stirling (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Benjamin White, Joshua Little

Ireland – 146/8 (20 overs) Ireland’s chase struggled against Sri Lanka’s spin dominance. Stirling fell early to Pathirana (1/28), edging a yorker. Balbirnie (22) and Adair resisted briefly, but Theekshana (3/18) struck twice in the middle overs with sharp turn. Tector anchored with a composed 41 off 35 (4 fours, 1 six), sharing a 62-run stand with Dockrell (28), but Hasaranga (4/21) broke it with a googly. Late cameos from McCarthy (18*) added respectability, but extras 10 and tight death bowling from Fernando kept them to 146. No big partnership survived post-Tector; momentum stayed with Sri Lanka as spin choked the required rate.

Sri Lanka – 178/6 (20 overs) Sri Lanka built steadily on a tricky surface. Nissanka (68 off 52) anchored with elegant drives and smart running, sharing a 85-run stand with Mendis (32). Perera fell cheaply to Little (2/35), but Asalanka (45* off 28, 4 fours, 2 sixes) accelerated with Shanaka (quick 22). Hasaranga chipped in 18* off 10. Adair (2/32) and White picked wickets but leaked in the death as dew helped. No major collapse; key partnerships and late hitting ensured a competitive total, setting up the bowling masterclass.

Key Moments

• Pathum Nissanka’s composed 68 off 52, providing the stable platform on a turning track.
• Wanindu Hasaranga’s 4/21, outfoxing Ireland’s middle order with variations and googlies.
• Harry Tector’s gritty 41, offering Ireland’s main resistance in a tough chase.
• Maheesh Theekshana’s 3/18, strangling the powerplay and middle overs with economical spin.
• Charith Asalanka’s unbeaten 45 off 28, powering the late surge to post 178.

Player of the Match: Wanindu Hasaranga (4/21 & 18*) Winning Captain (Charith Asalanka): “Great to start with a win at home—the crowd was fantastic. Nissanka set it up, and our spinners were brilliant on this pitch. Hasaranga was unplayable; this gives us confidence for the bigger games ahead.” Losing Captain (Paul Stirling): “Sri Lanka bowled superbly, especially the spinners—we couldn’t get partnerships going. Tector fought hard, but 178 was tough to chase here. Proud effort; we’ll learn and push in the next matches.”

Group B Standings (after Match 1): Sri Lanka 2 pts (NRR +1.60), others TBD Next → Scotland vs Italy, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Group C: Eden Gardens, Kolkata — February 8, 2026 (later match) or next Group B fixture

Sri Lanka’s disciplined victory reinforced their home strength in subcontinental conditions, with spin options firing and batting providing depth. As co-hosts and group favorites, the Lions carry momentum into their campaign, while Ireland take positives from a competitive showing against a higher-ranked side.