An undercooked Sri Lanka will look to put a disappointing build-up behind them and produce a far more assured performance when they face an unpredictable Ireland in their opening Group B clash of the T20 World Cup on Sunday, in front of home fans.

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Co-hosting the tournament alongside India, Sri Lanka enter the competition under pressure after a forgettable preparation phase that saw them whitewashed 0–3 by England in a home T20I series. That defeat exposed familiar issues, with both batting and bowling faltering in crunch moments, and inconsistency continuing to haunt the island nation.

Despite those concerns, the 2014 champions still boast home advantage and, on paper, a squad capable of progressing deep into the tournament. Sri Lanka find themselves in a tricky group, where Australia are favourites, but Ireland and Zimbabwe are expected to challenge strongly, with Oman completing the line-up.

Much will hinge on Sri Lanka’s top order delivering consistently, especially with the middle order yet to establish itself as a reliable force. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis form the backbone at the top, while Kamil Mishara will be eager to justify his growing reputation on the big stage. Veteran Kusal Janith Perera adds experience, with Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage expected to shoulder responsibility in the middle overs.

Captain Dasun Shanaka remains central to Sri Lanka’s plans as a finisher and seam-bowling all-rounder. In the bowling department, pace spearheads Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana will lead the attack, though the absence of Eshan Malinga due to a shoulder injury is a setback. He has been replaced by Pramod Madushan. Spin duties will rest heavily on Wanindu Hasaranga, supported by Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, although Hasaranga will be keen to rediscover form after a disappointing series against England.

Ireland, meanwhile, arrives with quiet confidence under the leadership of Paul Stirling. Featuring for the eighth time in a T20 World Cup, the Irish side has grown accustomed to upsetting bigger teams and will see this fixture as a genuine opportunity. Key players such as Harry Tector and Josh Little give them both batting depth and bowling firepower.

Fresh off series victories against Italy and the UAE, Ireland will aim to carry that momentum into the tournament. While inconsistency remains a concern, an early upset against Sri Lanka could put them firmly in contention for a Super Stage spot.

(By PTI Inputs)