Dominant spin bowling propelled Sri Lanka to a 20-run victory over Ireland in the T20 World Cup 2026 qualifiers’ sixth match at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Sunday. Maheesh Theekshana’s hat-trick bid, falling one shy, highlighted Sri Lanka’s clinical performance.
Sent in, Sri Lanka overcame a batting stutter to post 163/6. The openers laid 28 runs before Mishara (14/11) perished. Nissanka (24/23) added value with Mendis, but 86/4 loomed.
Kusal Mendis unbeaten 56 (43b, 5×4) paired masterfully with Kamindu’s 44 (19b, 4×4, 2×6) for 67 crucial runs, lifting the total.
Ireland bowled tightly: McCarthy (2), Dockrell (2), Adair (1), Delany (1).
In reply, Ireland managed 143 in 19.5. Opening 24 dissolved quickly; Adair-Tector’s efforts and Tucker’s 21 got them to 105, but panic set in post-120/5.
Hasaranga and Theekshana’s 3 wickets each ravaged Ireland. Theekshana’s over17 heroics: three in four balls. Pathirana (2 wkts), others supported.
Sri Lanka’s strategic depth and bowling variety prevail, enhancing their qualifier prospects amid Ireland’s chasing woes.