February 08, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka begin their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 journey today (08) with a Group B clash against Ireland at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, where the evening fixture is set to get under way at 7 p.m.
The co-hosts come into the tournament eager to steady the ship after a sobering home series against England, which ended in a 3–0 sweep. That result exposed several frailties, but familiar surroundings in Colombo offer Sri Lanka a timely chance to reset and rediscover their edge.
Local conditions are expected to play a significant role, with the Premadasa surface traditionally rewarding quality spin. Much will therefore rest on Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, a pairing capable of controlling the middle overs and exploiting any grip on offer as the night progresses.
Preparations have not been entirely smooth, however. Fast bowler Eshan Malinga has been sidelined with a shoulder injury picked up during the England series, forcing a late change to the squad. Pramod Madushan steps in, returning to T20 international cricket after a lengthy absence, and will be keen to make an immediate impression.
Sri Lanka’s biggest question mark lies with the bat. Their recent outings against England were marked by inconsistency, ranging from modest totals in the low hundreds to a more assertive display that still proved insufficient under the Duckworth–Lewis calculations. Finding rhythm at the top of the order will be crucial if they are to capitalise on home advantage.
Ireland, by contrast, arrive in upbeat mood following a clean sweep of the UAE in Dubai. Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker have anchored the batting with authority, while Matthew Humphreys and Barry McCarthy provide balance and bite with the ball.
The two sides last met in a T20 World Cup contest in 2022, when Sri Lanka cruised to a nine-wicket win, guided by a fluent unbeaten innings from Kusal Mendis. While history favours the hosts, Ireland will see this fixture as an opportunity to test themselves against a side still searching for momentum.
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