ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Sri Lanka vs Ireland - team analysis, strengths and weaknesses
Captain Dasun Shanaka relies on stars like Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga. Ireland, led by veteran Paul Stirling, aims to leverage its "giant-killer" reputation.
Last Updated: 01.08 AM, Feb 07, 2026
Co-hosts Sri Lanka will start their quest for a second T20 World Cup when they host a spirited Ireland on their home turf on 8th February at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Ireland’s recent form and "giant-killer" reputation will make this Group B encounter anything but a formality.
How to watch Sri Lanka vs Ireland, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match online?
Cricket fans in India can watch the Sri Lanka vs Ireland, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match LIVE on Jio Hotstar, accessible via OTTPlay Premium.
Current scenarios of the Sri Lanka vs Ireland
The 2014 World Cup winners played three finals of the Mega event, but since winning the title, they have not been able to qualify for the knockouts. Moreover, their recent series defeats against Pakistan and Australia also show how inconsistent they have been in the international league, especially in the shortest format of the game.
However, we all know how dangerous the long cans can be during an ICC tournament, as they have always punched above their weight during ICC events.
Ireland is one team which has always produced some miracles in ICC events, and after good performances against the UAE and Italy, they will be confident to show some spirited performances against higher-ranked teams.
Read also: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: West Indies vs Scotland - team analysis, strengths and weaknesses.
Squad analysis - Sri Lanka vs Ireland
As per the latest update, Pramod Madushan has replaced Eshan Malinga in the Sri Lankan squad for the T20 World Cup 2026.
Led by Dasun Shanaka, the Sri Lankan team will depend on Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis to produce some great scores with the bat. Meantime, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and the rising Dunith Wellalage are expected to thrive on a dry R. Premadasa surface.
Despite the loss of Malinga, Matheesha Pathirana will be the "X-factor” of the Lankan side.
Read also: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan vs Netherlands - team analysis, strengths and weaknesses.
Ireland enters the tournament led by the evergreen Paul Stirling, who holds the record for the most T20I appearances.
Harry Tector will be another key player with the bat for the Irish side. Josh Little, Mark Adair, and Barry McCarthy will be the main bowlers for them during the tournament.
Squads
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan.
Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.