Colombo, (UNI) Wanindu Hasaranga’s heroics powered Sri Lanka to a 20-run victory over Ireland as the hosts opened their World Cup campaign on a winning note at the R Premadasa Stadium here on Sunday.
Despite a suspected hamstring issue after just his second delivery, Hasaranga fought through four overs to claim 3 for 25, while Maheesh Theekshana added a three-wicket haul to dismantle the Irish batting line-up.
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka managed 163 for 6 in 20 overs. The innings saw contrasting phases, with the top order struggling against Ireland’s spin attack before a late surge by Kamindu Mendis (44 off 19 balls) and Kusal Mendis (56) added crucial runs.
Early breakthroughs by Matthew Humphreys, George Dockrell, and Gareth Delany had Sri Lanka in trouble at 71 for 3 in the 11th over, but the final overs saw 59 runs scored in a flurry of boundaries, leaving Ireland with a challenging target.
In reply, Ireland began positively, scoring 45 in the PowerPlay. Ross Adair provided a brisk start, but once Hasaranga struck, the chase faltered.
Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker steadied the innings at 105 for 2, but Sri Lanka’s spinners tightened the noose. Dunith Wellalage dismissed Tucker, Hasaranga trapped Tector, and Theekshana sent back Benjamin Calitz and George Delany in quick succession. Ireland collapsed, losing eight wickets for 38 runs, and were bowled out for 143 with a ball to spare.
The win also extended Sri Lanka’s unbeaten streak against Ireland in T20Is to 11 matches. The hosts will look to build on this momentum as their World Cup campaign continues.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 163/6 in 20 overs (Kusal Mendis 56, Kamindu Mendis 44; George Dockrell 2-20) beat Ireland 143 in 19.5 overs (Harry Tector 40; Wanindu Hasaranga 3-25, Maheesh Theekshana 3-23) by 20 runs.
Hasaranga, Theekshana star as SL beat Ireland
