Ireland fall short against Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup opener

Ireland began their Men’s T20 World Cup campaign with a disappointing 20-run loss to co-hosts Sri Lanka in their opening Group B match in Colombo.

After winning the toss, Ireland chose to bowl first and made a positive start. 

Their bowlers kept things tight early on, with George Dockrell impressing by taking two wickets for just 17 runs. By the 11th over, Sri Lanka were restricted to 71 for 3, putting Ireland in a strong position.

However, Sri Lanka recovered well through Kusal Mendis. He took advantage of several missed chances in the field, including being dropped three times in one over, and helped push the score forward. 

Despite a late burst from Barry McCarthy, who claimed two wickets in two balls, Sri Lanka finished on a competitive 163 for 6. Mendis remained unbeaten on 56 from 43 balls, anchoring the innings.

Chasing 164 to win, Ireland suffered an early setback when captain Paul Stirling was bowled for six. Ross Adair steadied the innings with a gritty 34, while Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector kept Ireland in the hunt. 

At 104 for 2 after 14 overs, Ireland needed 60 runs from the final six overs and were still very much in the contest.

The momentum then swung Sri Lanka’s way. Their bowlers tightened the pressure and picked up wickets regularly.

Maheesh Theekshana struck twice in two balls, and Wanindu Hasaranga also made key breakthroughs. Ireland collapsed late on, losing their final eight wickets for just 38 runs, and were bowled out for 143 with one ball remaining.

Hasaranga and Theekshana finished with three wickets each, playing a crucial role in defending Sri Lanka’s total.

Speaking after the match, Ireland captain Paul Stirling admitted his side had let the game slip at important moments.

“We felt they probably got 15 or 20 runs too many,” Stirling said. “We were happy to chase at the start, but those extra runs made the difference. We weren’t as sharp as we needed to be in the field, and that cost us.”

Ireland will look to bounce back when they face Australia on Wednesday. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, take on Oman in their next Group B fixture on Thursday.

The Men’s T20 World Cup continues through to March 8, with all matches available live on Sky Sports.