ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Match Details
Match: Sri Lanka vs Ireland – Group Stage
Date: 8 February 2026
Day: Sunday
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Time: 07:00 PM (Local / IST)
Live Telecast & Streaming
Live Telecast: Star Sports Network
Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar
Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka Probable XI:
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan
Ireland Probable XI:
Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little, Craig Young
Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch in Colombo generally assists spinners as the match progresses, while batters can score freely once set. Evening matches may also see some dew, making chasing slightly easier. Teams winning the toss often prefer to bowl first to take advantage of later batting conditions.
Weather Report
Weather conditions are expected to remain warm and humid with temperatures around 26–28°C. No rain interruptions are forecast, ensuring a full match is likely.
Match Prediction
Sri Lanka enters the contest as favorites due to stronger spin resources and home conditions, which are expected to suit their bowling attack. Ireland, however, has a capable pace unit and aggressive top order that can challenge if early wickets fall. If Sri Lanka’s middle order performs consistently, they are likely to have the edge in this encounter.
Sri Lanka – Key Players
Wanindu Hasaranga: A match-winning all-rounder who can pick wickets in the middle overs and contribute quick runs.
Pathum Nissanka: A dependable top-order batter capable of anchoring the innings.
Maheesh Theekshana: A mystery spinner who can control runs and take crucial wickets.
Ireland – Key Players
Paul Stirling: Ireland’s experienced opener who can provide explosive starts.
Harry Tector: A consistent middle-order batter and key run-scorer.
Joshua Little: Ireland’s strike fast bowler, known for breakthroughs in powerplay and death overs.