Sri Lanka Open T20 World Cup Campaign With 20-Run Win Over Ireland
Sri Lanka made a winning start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign, defeating Ireland by 20 runs in their group-stage opener in Colombo on Sunday.
Batting first, the hosts posted a competitive total of 163, built around a composed unbeaten half-century from Kamindu Mendis and valuable contributions from the middle order.
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Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when Mark Adair dismissed Kamil Mishara for six in the fourth over. Despite the early loss, Pathum Nissanka and wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis steadied the innings and guided the team to 50 runs by the end of the powerplay.
The partnership was broken in the ninth over when George Dockrell removed Nissanka, who scored 24 off 23 balls. Dockrell struck again soon after, dismissing Pavan Rathnayake for five, leaving Sri Lanka in a difficult position at 68 for three after 11 overs.
Ireland’s bowlers continued to apply pressure, drying up boundaries and slowing the scoring rate. Sri Lanka reached 95 for four by the 15th over as the innings struggled to gain momentum.
The match turned decisively in Sri Lanka’s favour when Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis added a crucial 67-run partnership. Kamindu accelerated late in the innings, smashing 44 runs off just 19 balls.
Kamindu Mendis remained unbeaten on 56 off 43 deliveries, guiding Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 163 runs at the end of 20 overs.
In reply, Ireland’s chase got off to a slow start as captain Paul Stirling was dismissed for six by Maheesh Theekshana in the fourth over. Ireland were 45 for one at the end of the powerplay.
Ross Adair provided some momentum with a quick 34 off 23 balls but was bowled by Wanindu Hasaranga on the final ball of the eighth over.
Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker then rebuilt the innings with a 49-run stand for the third wicket after Ireland lost both openers for 56. However, Sri Lanka struck back through their spinners to regain control.
Hasaranga dismissed Tector for 40 off 34 balls, while Dunith Wellalage removed Tucker for 21, reducing Ireland to 113 for four after 15 overs.
The breakthroughs opened the door for Theekshana, who picked up two quick wickets to push Ireland further behind the required run rate.
Ireland were eventually bowled out for 143, handing Sri Lanka a 20-run victory in their opening match.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga claiming three wickets each. Matheesha Pathirana picked up two wickets, while Dushmantha Chameera and Dunith Wellalage chipped in with one wicket apiece.
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