Sri Lanka beat Ireland by 20 runs in their T20 World Cup opener, thanks to spinners Hasaranga and Theekshana’s three wickets each.
Mumbai: In a game dominated by spinners from both sides, Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, claimed three wickets each to save co-hosts Sri Lanka the blushes against Ireland with a 20-run win in their opening Group B match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup played at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Sunday evening.
Set a target of 164 to win, Ireland were very much in the hunt for an upset till the 15th over as they needed 51 runs off 30 balls with seven wickets in hand.
Feb 08, 2026: Hindustan Times
However, Hasaranga put behind a leg injury he suffered bowling his first over in the game to return and provide crucial breakthroughs to play a starring role for Sri Lanka with three wickets for 25 runs. On the first ball of the 16th over, the Lanka unorthodox spinner got the well set Harry Tector hitting straight down to the midwicket fielder to reduce Ireland to 113/4.
Overall, the game was a continuation of the early trend of the tournament where the established teams have been put under the pump by the minnows.