Sri Lanka secured a notable victory against Ireland in their T20 World Cup opener. The spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga each took three wickets, leading Sri Lanka to a 20-run win at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
Barry McCarthy bowled 11 deliveries in the 19th over, matching the record for the most balls bowled in an over in T20 World Cups. Ireland suffered a collapse, losing their last 8 wickets for 38 runs, marking the second-worst collapse in T20 World Cup history.
Both teams’ spinners bowled 25 overs in the match, marking the 4th instance in T20 World Cup history where spinners bowled 25 or more overs in a completed match. Wanindu Hasaranga’s 40 wickets make him the second most successful bowler in the World Cup after Shakib Al Hasan.
Kusal Mendis achieved his 18th half-century in his 101st match, scoring an unbeaten 56*. Despite a challenging start with Sri Lanka at 87/4, Kamindu Mendis’s quick 44 off 19 balls and Kusal Mendis’s steady 56 off 43 propelled them to a competitive total of 163/6.
Ireland, chasing 164, appeared strong at 105/2 before losing key wickets in quick succession. The team was eventually bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs, falling short of the target.
