Kamindu Mendis smashed a match-turning 44 off 19 balls to power Sri Lanka to a competitive total, before spinners sealed a 20-run victory over Ireland in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener in Colombo.
Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup 2026 delivered a thrilling start for the co-hosts as they beat Ireland by 20 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Kamindu Mendis T20 World Cup performance proved decisive, with his explosive late cameo lifting Sri Lanka from a sluggish position to 163 for 6, setting the stage for a dominant spin bowling display that restricted Ireland to 143.
Ireland captain Paul Stirling won the toss and chose to field first. Sri Lanka’s top order struggled against accurate Irish bowling, particularly from George Dockrell (2-17) and Barry McCarthy (2-40), reaching only 86 for 4 after 14 overs. Boundaries had dried up, with no fours for 57 balls until Kamindu Mendis intervened.
The 11th-hour inclusion of Kamindu Mendis as a late draft-in turned the innings. He unleashed a blistering 44 off just 19 deliveries, featuring four fours and two sixes. His aggressive approach included a cheeky reverse sweep to end the drought and a remarkable 21-run over (the 17th). Partnering with Kusal Mendis (unbeaten 56 off 43), their 67-run stand off 30 balls injected crucial momentum. Kamindu’s quickfire knock changed the game’s complexion, transforming a potentially below-par total into a defendable one.
In the chase, Ireland built steadily to 105 for 2, with Harry Tector (40) and Ross Adair (34) contributing solidly. A 49-run third-wicket partnership between Lorcan Tucker and Tector kept them in the hunt. However, Sri Lanka’s spinners dominated from the middle overs. Maheesh Theekshana took 3 for 23, Wanindu Hasaranga 3 for 25 (despite a brief hamstring concern), and Dunith Wellalage chipped in as Ireland lost their last eight wickets for just 38 runs. Matheesha Pathirana claimed two in the final over to clinch the win.
Kamindu Mendis T20 World Cup Heroics
Kamindu Mendis T20 World Cup impact was immediate and profound in the Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup 2026 encounter. Drafted in late, he accelerated when needed most, smashing boundaries under pressure. Dropped on 14, he capitalised to score freely, earning Player of the Match honours. Post-match, Kamindu reflected: “I just wanted to score a few boundaries and put a partnership with Kusal Mendis. Kusal was outstanding today. He deserves a lot of Credit. We wanted someone to bat through the innings. They played well during the run chase until the 15th over. We had to keep our calm and we knew they had to take risks and we bowled well towards the end.”
His 231.58 strike rate highlighted his ability to shift gears, providing the late thrust Sri Lanka desperately required. ICC recognised his role, naming him Player of the Match for architecting the victory platform.
Sri Lanka Beat Ireland T20 Through Kamindu’s Late Surge
Sri Lanka beat Ireland T20 convincingly once momentum swung their way. Kamindu Mendis’ innings rescued the hosts from a stagnant phase, enabling a total that proved 15 runs too many, as Stirling admitted: “They got 15 runs too many. Bit sloppy in the field and we have plenty of work to do before the next game. We were confident with plenty of wickets in hand, but Sri Lanka held their nerve. Spin is a challenge for us. It wasn’t coming onto the bat as much as we expected. Spin, I believe, is going to play a big role in this tournament.”
The spin trio’s seven-wicket haul exploited the turning Premadasa surface, underscoring South Asian conditions’ influence.
T20 World Cup 2026 Sri Lanka Ireland Highlights
T20 World Cup 2026 Sri Lanka Ireland highlights revolved around key turning points. Sri Lanka’s recovery from 86 for 4 featured Kamindu Mendis T20 World Cup fireworks and Kusal Mendis’ anchor role. In the field, Ireland’s dropped catches (seven in total, including key misses on Kamindu and Kusal) proved costly. The collapse after 105 for 2 showcased spin dominance, with Hasaranga’s return adding resilience despite discomfort.
The match illustrated adaptability on spin-friendly pitches, vital for South Asian-hosted tournaments.
Background
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, expands participation and raises stakes for teams like Ireland. Sri Lanka, 2014 champions, seek redemption after recent underwhelming campaigns. This Group B opener at Premadasa Stadium attracted a fervent home crowd, reflecting cricket’s deep roots in the region.
What’s Next
Sri Lanka aim to capitalise on this win in subsequent Group B matches, building on Kamindu Mendis’ form and spin strength. Ireland must sharpen fielding and counter spin ahead of their next fixture. Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20 World Cup 2026 sets an encouraging tone for the co-hosts’ campaign.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 9th, 2026
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
