T20 World Cup: Theekshana, Hasaranga Star as Sri Lanka Down Ireland by 20 Runs

Sri Lanka launched their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 20-run victory over Ireland in Colombo, defending 163 in a contest that swung repeatedly before the hosts seized control in the closing stages.

Chasing 164, Ireland showed early composure and at one stage looked firmly in the hunt, but a sharp middle-overs squeeze led by Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga derailed their pursuit. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 143, unable to maintain momentum as wickets tumbled under pressure.

Ireland began steadily through Paul Stirling and Ross Adair, negotiating the opening overs without damage. The breakthrough came when Theekshana removed Stirling, setting the tone for Sri Lanka’s spin assault. Harry Tector then rebuilt with Adair, absorbing pressure and keeping the target within reach.

Hasaranga, despite appearing to struggle with a hamstring issue, delivered a decisive blow by breaking the Tector-Adair partnership. Tector continued to anchor the chase with calm authority, and alongside Lorcan Tucker, stitched together a promising stand that briefly tilted the match in Ireland’s favour. Just as the visitors began to threaten, Dunith Wellalage dismissed Tucker, and Hasaranga followed up by removing Tector soon after, swinging momentum back to Sri Lanka. Theekshana’s late double strike effectively sealed the contest as Ireland’s lower order failed to recover.

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s innings had been shaped by a composed knock from Kusal Mendis, who remained unbeaten on 56 off 43 deliveries. The hosts endured a shaky middle phase after a brisk start from Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara was cut short by Mark Adair. George Dockrell tightened the screws with key wickets, reducing Sri Lanka to 87/4 and briefly putting Ireland in command.

The tide turned when Kamindu Mendis counterattacked, lifting the scoring rate and injecting urgency into the innings. Supported by Kusal Mendis’ steady presence, Sri Lanka pushed past the 150 mark to finish at 163/6 — a total that ultimately proved just beyond Ireland’s reach.

The contest highlighted Sri Lanka’s depth in spin and their ability to apply pressure during the middle overs, while Ireland showed flashes of resilience but lacked the finishing push required in a tense chase. For the hosts, it was an ideal start at home — not flawless, but convincing enough to set the tone for their campaign.

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