T20 World Cup: Hasaranga and Theekshana spin Sri Lanka to victory over Ireland

Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana starred with the ball as Sri Lanka sealed a win in their first game at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 against Ireland.

Defending a modest 164, the hosts were on the mark from the get-go with their star spin duo leading the way.

Theekshana opened the account for the co-hosts with the big wicket of Ireland captain Paul Stirling. Hasaranga followed swiftly with the wicket of Mark Adair.

Ireland would manage to stitch a threatening partnership with Harry Tector (40) and Lorcan Tucker (21) added 49 runs for the third wicket.

Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage had struck in quick succession as Sri Lanka managed to pull their way back in.

The strikes opened the way for Maheesh Theekshana to bag two quick wickets, putting the co-hosts in touching distance of a win in their opening contest.

Ireland had muscled their way with the bat with Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker adding 49 runs for the third wicket after losing both openers for 56 runs.

Ross Adair provided a fiery start in the chase despite Maheesh Theekshana rocking the stumps of Ireland skipper Paul Stirling in the fourth over.

Adair was joined by Harry Tector and the pair continued strike rotation with impressive running between the wickets.

Hasaranga added to Sri Lanka’s case with his third wicket, closing with stellar figures of 3-25. The co-hosts eventually wrapped up the proceedings in the final over, kickstarting their tournament with a win.

Despite losing Kamil Mishara early, Sri Lanka had a strong powerplay where they amassed 50 runs.

The pair of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis added 34 runs together before George Dockrell got the big wicket of Nissanka (24 off 23). Soon after Dockrell struck again dismissing Pavan Rathnayake to put Sri Lanka in a tricky situation at 68-3.

Ireland bowlers continued to keep the Sri Lankan batters in check, restricting boundaries as the scoring rate dipped. Sri Lanka slowly crawled their way to 95-4 by the 15th over.

Things turned around for Sri Lanka as Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis stitched together a crucial 67-run partnership, providing Sri Lanka’s innings with the much-needed boost. Kamindu smashed 44 off just 19 deliveries to completely turn the tide in Sri Lanka’s favour.

Kamindu Mendis gritty knock of 56* off 43 guided Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 163. (ICC)