6th t 20 world cup match highlights Sri Lanka vs Ireland Highlights 2026 T20 WC
The sixth match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 saw a thrilling encounter between Sri Lanka and Ireland at the KR Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Batting first, hosts Sri Lanka set Ireland a target of 164 runs.
The key details and highlights of the match are as follows:
Match Summary
- Toss: Ireland won the toss and elected to field first.
- Sri Lanka’s innings: Sri Lanka scored 163 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.
- Ireland’s target: 164 runs (match in progress).
Sri Lanka’s batting: Commando Mendis’ aggressive innings
Sri Lanka started a bit slow and the team seemed under pressure after wickets fell in the powerplay.
- Patham Nsanka tried to support the innings by scoring 34 runs.
- Kaushal Mendis batted responsibly but struggled to hit big hits.
- Commando Mendis turned the tables on the innings, who played a stormy innings of **44 runs off just *19 balls*. He scored 21 runs in the 17th over to bring the score to a stable position.
Ireland’s bowling: The magic of spinners
The Irish bowlers did not give the Lincoln batsmen a chance to play openly in the middle overs.
- George Dockrell bowled brilliantly, taking 2 wickets for just 17 runs in 4 overs.
- Gareth Delaney and Mark Adair also got one wicket each.
Ireland’s reply (Innings ongoing)
Ireland’s start in pursuit of the target was mixed:
- Captain Paul Stirling fell victim to Mahesh Theekshana for just 6 runs.
- Ross Adair batted briskly and scored 34 runs off 23 balls, but was bowled clean by Winindu Hasaranga.
- According to the latest reports, the Irish team is trying hard to chase the target and the match can go either way.
In the sixth match of the T20 World Cup 2026, hosts Sri Lanka have started the tournament on a winning note by defeating Ireland by 20 runs after an exciting encounter. The details of this match played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo are as follows:
Match Summary
- Winner: Sri Lanka (Won by 20 runs)
- First innings (Sri Lanka): 163/6 (20 overs)
- Second innings (Ireland): 143/10 (19.5 overs)
Sri Lanka batting: Commando Mendis’ aggressive innings
Ireland won the toss and elected to field first, which proved to be the right decision at the start. Sri Lanka’s first wicket fell early, but Koushal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka took charge of the innings.
- Kaushal Mendis: remained unbeaten on 56 off 43 balls.
- Commando Mendis: turned the tables on the match and played a stormy innings of 44 off 19 balls, thanks to which Sri Lanka was able to reach a total of 163.
- Irish bowling: George Dockrell bowled brilliantly, taking 2 wickets for just 17 runs in 4 overs.
Ireland’s counter-attack and the magic of Lincoln bowlers
Chasing a target of 164 runs, Ireland had a good start and at one point they looked in a strong position with 105/2.
- Harry Tucker: remained outstanding with 40 runs.
- Lorcan Tucker: supported the team by scoring 21 runs.
- Wanidu Hasaranga’s magic: The Lankan captain Hasaranga bowled devastatingly in the middle overs and took key wickets to break the back of the Irish batting line-up. He also took his 40th T20 World Cup wicket in this match.
- Matheesha Pathirana: ‘Baby Malinga’ ended all hopes of a win for Ireland with brilliant yorkers in the last overs and took the last wicket to seal the match for Sri Lanka.
Key match figures
| Player | Performance | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Kushal Mendis | 56* (43) | Sri Lanka |
| Kamandoo Mendis | 44 (19) | Sri Lanka |
| Wanidu Hasaranga | 3 wickets | Sri Lanka |
| Harry Tector | 40 (33) | Ireland |
Next step:
Sri Lanka will now face the other teams in Group B (Australia, Zimbabwe or Oman).
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