Colombo: In the Group B match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka posted a target of 164 runs for Ireland to chase.
After winning the toss, Ireland chose to bowl first. Sri Lanka’s innings began with a cautious start as Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Misara added 28 runs in four overs for the opening wicket. Misara was dismissed after scoring 14 runs off 11 balls.
Nissanka then partnered with Kusal Mendis for the second wicket, adding 34 runs off 26 balls to take the score to 62. Nissanka was out for 24 runs from 23 balls.
Quick wickets fell as Pawan Rathnayake (5) and Dunith Wellalage (10) were dismissed in quick succession, leaving Sri Lanka at 86 for 4 in 13.5 overs. The innings was steadied by a valuable 67-run partnership between Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis.
Kamindu Mendis scored a brisk 44 runs off 19 balls, while Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten on 56 runs from 43 balls, including five boundaries, playing a crucial role in reaching a total of 163 runs for 6 wickets.
From the Irish bowling side, Barry McCarthy and George Dockrell took two wickets each, while Mark Adair and Gareth Delany claimed one wicket each.
With Ireland’s strong batting lineup, Sri Lanka will need disciplined bowling and sharp fielding to defend the target of 164 runs.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.