SL vs IRE Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: Theekshana, Hasaranga fashion Sri Lanka’s 20-run win over Ireland

PLAYING XIs

Sri Lanka: 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: Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys.

TOSS

Ireland won the toss and elected to bowl.

PREVIEW

An undercooked Sri Lanka would look to put behind a disappointing preparation and dish out a solid effort when it takes on an unpredictable Ireland in its opening Group B match of the T20 World Cup in front of home fans in Colombo on Sunday.

Sri Lanka didn’t have the best preparation for the showpiece it is co-hosting with India, as it was whitewashed 0-3 by England in a home T20 series, which was the final tune-up to the tournament.

And the islanders would now look to learn lessons from that drubbing and take corrective steps.

The main concern for Sri Lanka is its inconsistency over a period of time.

FULL PREVIEW | Undercooked Sri Lanka faces unpredictable Ireland

WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH

The T20 World Cup 2026 match between Sri Lanka and Ireland will be televised live in India on the Star Sports Network from 7 PM IST. The match will also be streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website.

THE SQUADS

Sri Lanka: 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: 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.

Published on Feb 08, 2026