T20 World Cup Match #6: Sri Lanka vs Ireland Time, Scorecard & Playing 11
The co-hosts, Sri Lanka, kick off their 2026 campaign at home against a dangerous Ireland side. This Group B clash is vital for both teams to gain early momentum in a group that also features powerhouses like Australia and gritty challengers like Zimbabwe.
| T20 World Cup Match # 6/55 |
|---|
| Sunday, Feb 8, 2026 · 6:30 PM |
| Sri Lanka vs Ireland |
| R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
Table of Contents
Sri Lanka vs. Ireland Today Match Live Score
Sri Lanka won by 20 runs
Sl vs Ire Dream11 Prediction
| Sri Lanka (Predicted XI) | Ireland (Predicted XI) |
| Pathum Nissanka | Paul Stirling (C) |
| Kusal Mendis (WK) | Andrew Balbirnie |
| Kamil Mishara | Lorcan Tucker (WK) |
| Charith Asalanka | Harry Tector |
| Kamindu Mendis | Curtis Campher |
| Janith Liyanage | George Dockrell |
| Dasun Shanaka (C) | Mark Adair |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Gareth Delany |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Josh Little |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Barry McCarthy |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Ben White |
Match Umpire Today
The ICC has appointed an experienced panel for this crucial opening Group B encounter:
| Status | Name | Country |
|---|---|---|
| On-Field Umpires: | Ahsan Raza and Asif Yaqoob | Pakistan |
| Third Umpire: | Richard Kettleborough | England |
| Match Referee: | Dean Cosker | England |
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Head-to-Head T20 Matches
Sri Lanka historically dominates this matchup, having won all 3 of their previous T20 International encounters. Ireland is still searching for their maiden T20I victory against the Lions, with their last meeting in the 2022 World Cup ending in a comfortable 9-wicket win for Sri Lanka.
Weather and Pitch Condition (R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo)
Weather: The forecast for Colombo is mostly clear and humid with temperatures around 29°C. While there is a slight 10% chance of a passing shower, it is unlikely to disrupt play. High humidity will test the endurance of the fast bowlers.
Pitch: The Premadasa surface is a traditional “spinner’s paradise.” Expect the ball to grip and turn significantly as the match progresses. Historically, the chasing team has a slight advantage here, winning 28 out of 48 matches played at this venue.
Also Check: Pakistan T20 World Cup Schedule
Team Sri Lanka vs Ireland Points Table
This is the opening match for both teams in Group B. With Australia and Zimbabwe also in the mix, a win today is essential to stay ahead of the curve for Super 8 qualification.
| Pos | Team | M | W | L | Points | NRR |
| 1 | Australia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 2 | Sri Lanka | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 3 | Ireland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 4 | Zimbabwe | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 5 | Oman | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
FAQs
Sri Lanka is the heavy favorite due to home conditions and their 100% win record against Ireland. However, Ireland’s ability to upset big teams in World Cups makes them a “dangerous underdog.
Yes, the star all-rounder has been confirmed fit and is expected to be Sri Lanka’s primary weapon on this spin-friendly track.
The match is scheduled to start at 6:30 PM IST (Local Time).
