The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo witnessed a comeback tale in T20 World Cup 2026 as Sri Lanka recovered from a precarious position to set Ireland 164 to win their Group B fixture. Batting first post Ireland’s toss decision to bowl, Sri Lanka finished at 163/6.
Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Misara laid a platform of 28 runs in four overs before Misara’s 14 (11). Nissanka-Kusal Mendis added 34 in 26 balls, reaching 62, until Nissanka’s 24 (23) ended the stand.
Wickets tumbled rapidly – Pavan Rathnayake for 5, Dunith Wellalage for 10 – leaving Sri Lanka at 86/4 in 13.5 overs. Salvation arrived via Kusal and Kamindu Mendis’ heroic 67-run partnership, with Kamindu smashing 44 off 19 balls in a display of power-hitting.
Kusal Mendis starred with an unbeaten 56 from 43 balls, including five boundaries, steering the team to a respectable total. His maturity was key in the late surge.
Ireland responded through Barry McCarthy and George Dockrell (2/2 wickets), plus one each from Mark Adair and Gareth Delany. Solid bowling, but the target tests resolve.
Ireland’s chase will be intriguing given their batting depth. Sri Lanka’s bowlers eye early strikes, backed by superior fielding, to clinch a vital win in the tournament.