T20 World Cup: All-round brilliance from Sri Lanka secure 20-run win over Ireland

NEW DELHI: Tournament co-hosts Sri Lanka produced a clinical all-round performance to start their T20 World Cup journey with a 20-run win over Ireland on Sunday.

Asked to bat first, Kamindu Mendis blazed 44 off just 19 balls while Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten on 56, guiding Sri Lanka to a competitive 163 for six after a slow start. A few dropped catches by the Irish fielders also helped the home side build momentum at the floodlit R Premadasa Stadium.

In response, Ireland could manage only 143 in 19.5 overs, with Ross Adair top-scoring with 34 off 23 balls and Harry Tector contributing 40 off 34 deliveries.

Sri Lanka’s Bowling Shines

Maheesh Theekshana (3/23 in 4 overs) and Wanindu Hasaranga (3/25 in 4 overs) were the stars with the ball, claiming key wickets and ensuring Ireland’s chase never gained traction.

Ireland lost captain Paul Stirling (6) early in the fourth over, with the score at 24. Adair looked in good touch initially, hitting boundaries to reach 29 off 16 balls, but Theekshana struck with a perfect yorker to dismiss Stirling.

Hasaranga bowled Adair with a brilliant googly in his first over, and later removed Tector in the 16th over, triggering a collapse that saw Ireland all out.

Kusal and Kamindu Rescue Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka had struggled at 86 for four in the 14th over before Kusal and Kamindu combined to steady the innings. Kusal’s 56 from 43 balls, featuring five boundaries, and Kamindu’s attacking 44 with four fours and two sixes helped the islanders reach a challenging total.

Earlier, Ireland’s decision to field seemed effective as they picked off Sri Lanka’s openers—Kamil Mishara (14) and Pathum Nissanka (24)—early on, restricting them to 28 runs in the first four overs.

Spin Dominates Mid-Innings

George Dockrell (2/17 in 4 overs) proved the most effective for Ireland during the middle overs, dismissing Nissanka and Pavan Rathnayake, who both struggled against spin. Gareth Delany (1/24) also picked up a key wicket, removing Dunith Wellalage.

Despite the pressure, the Kamindu-Kusal partnership revived Sri Lanka, allowing them to play aggressive cricket in the final overs and post a total that proved too much for Ireland to chase.

(With PTI Inputs)