• Source:JND

SL vs IRE T20 World Cup 2026: Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis impressed with the bat before Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana's incisive spin bowling powered Sri Lanka to a 20-run win over Ireland in their T20 World Cup clash here on Sunday. Kusal scored a gritty 56 not out off 43 balls while Kamindu Mendis provided the late impetus with a 44 off 19 deliveries, as Sri Lanka recovered from a sluggish start to post a fighting 163 for six.

In reply, leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (3/25) and Maheesh Theekshana (3/23) bowled with superb control, as Ireland were dismissed for 143 in 19.5 overs.

Sri Lanka's innings

Earlier, Ireland's bowlers, led by George Dockrell (2/17), kept a tight grip on the innings, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 68 for 3 by the 11th over.

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But Kusal played a determined innings, grinding out a crucial half-century in testing conditions to give Sri Lanka a competitive base, before Kamindu provided the late flourish, smashing four boundaries and two sixes to add respectability to the total.

Brief Scores:

Sri Lanka 163 for 6 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 24, Kusal Mendis 56 not out, Kamindu Mendis 44; George Dockrell 2/17, Barry McCarthy 2/40, Gareth Delany 1/24).

Ireland 143 all out in 19.5 overs (Ross Adair 34, Harry Tector 40, Lorcan Tucker 21; Maheesh Theekshana 3/23, Wanindu Hasaranga 3/25, Matheesha Pathirana 2/26).

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What's next for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka will lock horns with Oman during their next World Cup match on 12th February, Thursday at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka. If they can win this match, then they might remain the table topper of their group.


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