Sri Lanka vs Ireland Match Prediction, T20 World Cup 2026: Who Will Win?

Sri Lanka will take on Ireland in the match 6 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Both teams will be eager to secure crucial early points as the group stage begins to take shape. Sri Lanka, playing in familiar home conditions, will look to use their strong spin attack and experienced core to dominate the contest. With players like Wanindu Hasaranga, Charith Asalanka, and Pathum Nissanka in the lineup, the hosts possess both stability and firepower.

Ireland, meanwhile, will aim to challenge Sri Lanka with their fearless brand of cricket. Led by Paul Stirling, the Irish side has several match-winners, including Harry Tector and Josh Little, who can turn the game with impactful performances. Ireland have proven in recent years that they can upset higher-ranked teams and will look to carry that confidence into this clash. 

Match Details

Match: Sri Lanka vs Ireland, Match 6

Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Date: February 8, 2026

Time: 7 PM IST

Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Where to watch ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 matches?

Cricket fans in India can watch the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 matches from February 7 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson: Who should open for India?

Pitch Report

R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is traditionally a spin-friendly surface, especially as the match progresses. Batters can score freely early on, but the pitch tends to slow down, assisting spinners with grip and turn. Teams batting first often aim for scores around 150–170 in T20s. Dew can play a role in night matches, making chasing slightly easier, while slower bowlers remain key throughout the game.

Head-to-Head Record

Matches played: 4

SL won: 3

IRE won: 0

No result: 1

SL vs IRE: Probable Playing XI

Sri Lanka:

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana

Ireland:

Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Gareth Delany, Ben Calitz, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Josh Little 

Key Players to Watch

Sri Lanka

1. Wanindu Hasaranga: Wanindu Hasaranga is Sri Lanka’s biggest match-winner with his lethal leg-spin and aggressive batting. His ability to take wickets in clusters makes him extremely dangerous.

2. Pathum Nissanka: Pathum Nissanka provides stability at the top with his calm and technically sound batting. He can anchor the innings and accelerate when needed in crucial situations.

3. Matheesha Pathirana: Matheesha Pathirana’s slingy action and deadly yorkers make him a major threat, especially in death overs. He is capable of picking crucial wickets under pressure.

Ireland

1. Paul Stirling: Paul Stirling is Ireland’s most explosive batter, capable of giving rapid starts in the powerplay. His experience and aggressive intent make him a key player.

2. Harry Tector: Harry Tector is Ireland’s most dependable middle-order batter, known for handling pressure well. He can anchor innings and accelerate when the situation demands.

3. Josh Little: Josh Little is Ireland’s strike bowler with excellent pace and control. His wicket-taking ability in both powerplay and death overs makes him a crucial asset.

Match Prediction - Who will win the match?

Sri Lanka enter this contest as clear favourites due to their superior spin attack and overall T20 experience. The likes of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana could exploit Colombo’s spin-friendly conditions effectively. Ireland have dangerous players like Paul Stirling and Harry Tector, but consistency remains a concern. If Sri Lanka’s top order delivers and bowlers execute their plans, they are likely to secure a comfortable win in this clash.

Prediction: Sri Lanka are likely to win.

Also read: New Zealand vs Afghanistan Match Prediction, T20 World Cup 2026: Who Will Win?