Colombo, Feb 8 (NationPress) Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis delivered a stellar performance with an unbeaten 56 runs off 43 balls, leading Sri Lanka to a commendable total of 163/6 in their 20 overs against Ireland during the Group B encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.

Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka faced early challenges at 87/4 after 14 overs. However, Kusal partnered with Kamindu Mendis, who scored 44 runs off just 19 balls, to forge a crucial 67-run partnership in just 29 balls, propelling the hosts past the 160-run mark. This late onslaught was pivotal in turning the match around for the co-hosts after a challenging middle phase where Ireland’s spinners managed to maintain tight control, not allowing a single boundary during that stretch.

The pair managed to accumulate 60 runs in the final four overs, with Kamindu taking full advantage of dropped catches and erratic bowling from the Irish bowlers. Humphreys and McCarthy conceded 21 and 19 runs respectively, leading to a loss of control for Ireland as the innings progressed.

Sri Lanka’s innings showcased contrasting phases: a steady start at 50/1 during the powerplay, a slow middle phase with just 45 runs between overs 7-15 without a boundary, and an explosive finish with 68 runs in the last five overs. The recovery was heartening for Sri Lanka, with Kusal anchoring the innings and Kamindu providing the much-needed impetus to change the game’s momentum.

The opening pair, Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara, gave Sri Lanka a solid foundation, hitting three boundaries. However, Mishara was dismissed by Mark Adair in the fourth over. Nissanka looked promising, hitting a six off Matthew Humphreys, but fell to George Dockrell after scoring 24 runs.

The middle overs saw Ireland’s spinners dominate with tight lengths and favorable pitch conditions. They continued to take wickets, with Dockrell bowling Pavan Rathnayake and Gareth Delany taking Dunith Wellalage’s wicket at long-on. Boundaries dried up completely between overs 7 and 15, with Sri Lanka limping to 95 for four.

While Mendis remained steadfast, the innings witnessed a revival only after Kamindu joined him, breaking a 57-ball boundary drought with a reverse sweep for four. Their counterattack left Ireland in disarray as runs flowed rapidly amidst missed chances. Although both he and captain Dasun Shanaka fell quickly, Mendis reached his fifty, securing a respectable total for Sri Lanka at home, marked by five boundaries.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka 163/6 in 20 overs (Kusal Mendis 56 not out, Kamindu Mendis 44; George Dockrell 2-17, Barry McCarthy 2-40) against Ireland