Sri Lanka outclassed Ireland by 20 runs in a pulsating T20 World Cup 2026 qualifier at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. The match’s defining moment? Maheesh Theekshana’s dramatic four-ball spell claiming three wickets, stopping inches short of a hat-trick.
Batting first after losing the toss, Sri Lanka navigated a tricky pitch to amass 163/6. Nissanka-Mishara’s measured 28 in four overs set the tone. Post Mishara’s exit (14 off 11), Nissanka fell at 24 (1×4, 1×6), triggering a slide to 86/4.
Kusal Mendis (56* off 43, 5×4) and Kamindu Mendis (44 off 19, 4×4, 2×6) staged a blistering counterattack, plundering 67 in 29 balls to fortify the innings.
Ireland’s response was gritty but insufficient. Stirling (6) fell early, but Adair (34 off 23) and Tector (40 off 34) rallied with Tucker (21), reaching 105/3. The collapse followed: 120/5 became 143 all out in 19.5 overs.
Theekshana (3 wkts) and Hasaranga (3 wkts) dismantled the lower order. Theekshana’s 17th over magic—wickets on balls 1-2, Calitz on 3, Delany on 4—electrified the crowd, though no hat-trick. Pathirana (2), Chameera (1), Wellalage (1) sealed the deal.
McCarthy and Dockrell took 2 each for Ireland. This victory underscores Sri Lanka’s spin prowess and middle-order muscle, a big step in their World Cup qualification journey.