Spin Twins Theekshana, Hasaranga Decimate Ireland as Sri Lanka Secure Winning Start to T20 World Cup

COLOMBO — Co-hosts Sri Lanka kickstarted their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign with a clinical 20-run victory over Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. Despite a mid-innings stutter that saw the boundaries dry up for nearly ten overs, the Lankans rode on a spectacular recovery led by the Mendis duo before the spin combination of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga dismantled the Irish chase.

The Number Game: Records and Collapses

The Group B opener was not just a battle of skill but also a record-breaking statistical affair. Here are the key numbers that defined the contest:

• 11 Deliveries: Ireland pacer Barry McCarthy bowled the joint-most deliveries in a single over in T20 World Cup history during the 19th over of the first innings. His erratic over, which included four wides and a no-ball, mirrored the "long overs" previously bowled by five other bowlers in tournament history.
• 8 for 38: Ireland’s chase suffered a catastrophic meltdown. From a comfortable 105/2, they lost their final eight wickets for just 38 runs (collapsing to 143 all out). This was recorded as the second-worst collapse in the history of the T20 World Cup.
• 25 Overs of Spin: In a testament to the sluggish Colombo surface, spinners from both sides combined to bowl 25 overs. This is only the fourth instance in T20 World Cup history where spinners have delivered 25 or more overs in a completed match.
• 40 Wickets: By picking up 3/25, Wanindu Hasaranga took his T20 World Cup career wicket tally to 40. He now trails only Bangladesh legend Shakib Al Hasan (50 wickets) as the second-most successful bowler in the history of the tournament.
• 18th Half-Century: Kusal Mendis notched his 18th T20I half-century in what was his 101st appearance for the national side, anchoring the innings when the pressure was at its peak.

Mendis Duo Rescue Sri Lanka

Sent in to bat, Sri Lanka initially struggled to find momentum. The co-hosts were reeling at 87/4 in the 14th over, remarkably failing to hit a single boundary throughout the entire middle-over phase. However, an explosive partnership between Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis changed the complexion of the game.

Kamindu, drafted into the side as a late surge option, played a blistering cameo of 44 runs off just 19 balls. His aggression allowed Kusal (56* off 43) to anchor the other end, as the pair added 67 runs in less than five overs to propel Sri Lanka to an above-par total of 163/6.

Ireland’s Chase Unravels

Chasing 164, Ireland appeared well-positioned at 105/2 in the 15th over. Harry Tector (40) and Ross Adair (34) had set a solid foundation, leaving the Irish requiring roughly a run-a-ball for the final assault.

However, the introduction of Hasaranga and Theekshana (3/23) triggered a sensational collapse. Hasaranga, despite appearing to struggle with a minor hamstring niggle, utilized his googlies to perfection, while Theekshana’s carrom balls proved unplayable for the Irish lower order. From a position of strength, Ireland was eventually bundled out for 143 in 19.5 overs, handing the co-hosts a perfect start to their home campaign.