Kamindu, Kusal rescue SL in win over Ireland: T20 World Cup No 6 (RPS)

Sri Lanka began their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a hard fought 20-run win over Ireland in Colombo.

Batting first, the hosts recovered from a slow start to post a competitive 163/6, built around a composed unbeaten 56 from Kusal Mendis, while Kamindu Mendis’ brisk 44 off 19 balls provided late impetus and lifted Sri Lanka to a challenging total.

In reply, Ireland struggled to keep pace and were dismissed for 143 in 19.5 overs, despite fighting knocks from Harry Tector (40) and Ross Adair (34). Sri Lanka’s spinners proved decisive, with Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga sharing six wickets, as the home side controlled the middle overs to seal a strong opening victory.

Sri Lanka 163 for 6 (Kusal 56*, Kamindu 44, Dockrell 2-17, McCarthy 2-40) beat Ireland 143 (Tector 40, Ross Adair 34, Theekshana 3-23, Hasaranga 3-25) by 20 runs.

Feb 2026.