Sri Lanka vs Ireland Possible Playing XI and Head to Head – 6th Match, Group B
The stage is set for an exciting Group B clash as Sri Lanka host Ireland in the 6th Match at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. This crucial T20 World Cup 2026 encounter pits Sri Lanka’s spin arsenal against Ireland’s recent impressive form. The match kicks off at 6:30 PM local time with both teams eyeing their first points in the tournament. Get complete details on possible playing XIs, head-to-head records, key players, and match predictions.
Match Info – Sri Lanka vs Ireland
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match Number | 6th Match, Group B |
| Teams | Sri Lanka vs Ireland |
| Venue | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Date | February 08, 2026 |
| Time | 6:30 PM Local Time (Night Match) |
| Match Type | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup |
| Format | 20 Overs per side |
| Toss | Yet to happen |
This night match at Sri Lanka’s premier cricket venue promises an electric atmosphere as the home team looks to bounce back from poor recent form against an Ireland side riding high on confidence.
Sri Lanka Possible Playing XI
Based on squad composition and recent performances, here’s Sri Lanka’s expected lineup:
| Position | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pathum Nissanka | Opening batter |
| 2 | Kamil Mishara | Opening batter |
| 3 | Kusal Mendis (WK) | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| 4 | Charith Asalanka | Batting allrounder |
| 5 | Dasun Shanaka (C) | Allrounder (Captain) |
| 6 | Wanindu Hasaranga | Allrounder (star spinner) |
| 7 | Kamindu Mendis | Allrounder |
| 8 | Dunith Wellalage | Left-arm spinner |
| 9 | Maheesh Theekshana | Off-spinner |
| 10 | Matheesha Pathirana | Fast bowler |
| 11 | Dushmantha Chameera | Fast bowler |
Team Balance: Sri Lanka’s lineup features a spin-heavy attack with Hasaranga, Theekshana, and Wellalage, perfectly suited to Colombo conditions. Pathirana and Chameera provide pace variation.
Ireland Possible Playing XI
Ireland’s expected eleven based on recent form and squad strength:
| Position | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul Stirling (C) | Opening batter (Captain) |
| 2 | Andrew Balbirnie | Opening batter |
| 3 | Harry Tector | Top-order batter (key player) |
| 4 | Lorcan Tucker (WK) | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| 5 | Curtis Campher | Allrounder |
| 6 | George Dockrell | Allrounder |
| 7 | Gareth Delany | Batting allrounder |
| 8 | Mark Adair | Pace-bowling allrounder |
| 9 | Barry McCarthy | Fast bowler |
| 10 | Matthew Humphreys | Left-arm spinner |
| 11 | Josh Little | Fast bowler (left-arm) |
Squad Strengths: Ireland’s balanced attack combines pace (McCarthy, Little, Adair) with quality spin (Humphreys, Dockrell), backed by explosive batting led by Harry Tector.
Head-to-Head – Sri Lanka vs Ireland (T20Is)
| Overall Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 3 T20I meetings |
| Sri Lanka Wins | 3 |
| Ireland Wins | 0 |
| Win Percentage | Sri Lanka 100% |
| Average Margin | Comprehensive victories |
Sri Lanka dominates this head-to-head record with a perfect 3-0 record against Ireland in T20 Internationals. However, Ireland’s recent improvement suggests this historical advantage might not guarantee future success.
Last 3 Meetings
Match 1: Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets (October 23, 2022)
Sri Lanka chased down Ireland’s total with ease, losing just one wicket and finishing with 30 balls remaining. Dominant batting display showcased the gulf in class at that time.
Match 2: Sri Lanka won by 70 runs (October 20, 2021)
A massive 70-run victory demonstrated Sri Lanka’s superiority with both bat and ball. Ireland struggled to compete across all departments in this lopsided contest.
Match 3: Sri Lanka won by 9 runs (June 14, 2009)
The closest encounter saw Sri Lanka defend their total by just 9 runs. This tight finish showed Ireland’s capability to push Sri Lanka when conditions suit them.
Historical Trend: While Sri Lanka has won all three meetings, the margins vary significantly. Ireland’s closest defeat (9 runs in 2009) proves they can compete when executing their plans properly.
Recent Form Analysis
Sri Lanka Last 5 T20Is
| Opponent | Result | Venue | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs Opponent 1 | L | Away | Poor batting collapse |
| vs Opponent 2 | L | Home | Bowling struggles |
| vs Opponent 3 | L | Neutral | All-round failure |
| vs Opponent 4 | W | Home | Narrow victory |
| vs Opponent 5 | A | Away | Match abandoned |
Form Rating: 1/4 completed matches won – Concerning form Major Issues: Inconsistent batting, bowling lacking penetration, confidence appears low
Ireland Last 5 T20Is
| Opponent | Result | Venue | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs Netherlands | W | Home | Comprehensive win |
| vs Zimbabwe | W | Away | Chase mastered |
| vs Scotland | L | Home | Close defeat |
| vs Afghanistan | W | Neutral | Upset victory |
| vs UAE | W | Away | Dominant display |
Form Rating: 4/5 wins – Excellent momentum Key Strengths: Harry Tector in red-hot form, bowling unit clicking, team confidence high
The contrasting recent forms make this match more competitive than historical head-to-head suggests. Ireland arrives with momentum while Sri Lanka searches for consistency.
Points Table – Group B
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sri Lanka | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| 2 | Ireland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Both teams begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with this match. The winner gains early control of Group B and crucial confidence for upcoming fixtures. Net run rate could prove decisive later, encouraging both teams to aim for convincing victories.
Key Players to Watch
Sri Lanka’s Match-Winners
Wanindu Hasaranga (Recent: 12 wickets in 9 matches, Economy 7.8) Sri Lanka’s premier spinner and one of T20 cricket’s best leg-spinners. His variations and wicket-taking ability make him the trump card, especially on Colombo’s turning track.
Kamil Mishara (Recent: 241 runs in 9 matches, Average 26.78, SR 138.5) The aggressive opener’s ability to score quickly in powerplay overs sets the platform for Sri Lanka’s innings.
Dushmantha Chameera (Recent: 13 wickets in 7 matches, Economy 6.79) The fast bowler’s pace and accuracy make him Sri Lanka’s most dangerous new-ball option.
Matheesha Pathirana The young speedster with unique action and yorker skills could be match-defining in death overs.
Ireland’s Key Players
Harry Tector (Recent: 348 runs in 10 matches, Average 49.71, SR 135.93) Ireland’s batting mainstay in phenomenal form. His ability to anchor innings while maintaining scoring rate makes him Ireland’s biggest threat.
Matthew Humphreys (Recent: 16 wickets in 10 matches, Economy 6.7) The left-arm spinner has been Ireland’s most successful bowler. His wicket-taking ability in middle overs could counter Sri Lanka’s spinners.
Barry McCarthy (Recent: 12 wickets in 9 matches, Economy 8.21) The pace spearhead provides crucial early breakthroughs and death-over experience.
Lorcan Tucker (Recent: 227 runs in 10 matches) The wicketkeeper-batter’s aggressive strokeplay adds depth to Ireland’s batting order.
Venue Analysis – R Premadasa Stadium
Stadium Characteristics:
- Capacity: 35,000 spectators
- Pitch Type: Slow turner favoring spinners
- Average T20 Score: 160-170
- Winning Pattern: 55% batting first, 45% chasing
- Key Factor: Evening dew can assist batting second
The Colombo pitch typically offers assistance to spinners, particularly in the first innings. Evening dew under lights often helps batters in the second innings, making toss decisions crucial.
Historical Trends: Teams batting first have slight advantage, but dew factor means chasing remains viable with good powerplay execution.
Sri Lanka vs Ireland – Match Preview
This encounter represents contrasting trajectories with Sri Lanka rebuilding after recent struggles while Ireland rides a wave of confidence from impressive recent performances.
Sri Lanka’s Strengths
- Home advantage and familiarity with conditions
- World-class spin attack led by Hasaranga
- 100% head-to-head record against Ireland
- Matheesha Pathirana’s unique pace bowling
Ireland’s Weapons
- Excellent recent form (4/5 wins)
- Harry Tector’s outstanding batting
- Balanced attack with quality pace and spin
- Nothing-to-lose mentality as underdogs
Tactical Battle
- Sri Lanka’s spin trio vs Ireland’s batting technique against turn
- Harry Tector vs Wanindu Hasaranga – battle of match-winners
- Powerplay overs crucial for setting tone
- Death overs execution could decide close contest
The competing teams bring different strengths, making this more competitive than head-to-head records suggest.
Match Prediction
Predicted Winner: Sri Lanka (60% chance)
Expected Score: Sri Lanka 165-175, Ireland 150-160
Sri Lanka’s home advantage, superior spin attack, and historical dominance give them the edge. However, Ireland’s recent form and Harry Tector’s brilliance mean they could spring an upset if key moments go their way.
Key to Victory:
- For Sri Lanka: Hasaranga’s middle-over spell, batting partnerships, Pathirana’s death overs
- For Ireland: Tector’s substantial innings, Humphreys containing Sri Lankan batters, disciplined death bowling
For complete tournament coverage and points table updates, follow all matches as the competition unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the head-to-head record between Sri Lanka and Ireland? Sri Lanka leads 3-0 in T20I meetings, winning all three encounters including victories by 9 wickets (2022), 70 runs (2021), and 9 runs (2009).
When and where is Sri Lanka vs Ireland match being played? The match is scheduled for February 08, 2026, at 6:30 PM local time at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Who are the key players in this match? Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamil Mishara, and Dushmantha Chameera for Sri Lanka; Harry Tector, Matthew Humphreys, and Barry McCarthy for Ireland.
What is Sri Lanka’s probable playing XI? Expected XI: Nissanka, Mishara, Kusal Mendis (WK), Asalanka, Shanaka (C), Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Wellalage, Theekshana, Pathirana, Chameera.
Which team has better recent form? Ireland has superior recent form with 4 wins in last 5 matches, while Sri Lanka won only 1 of their last 4 completed matches.
What are the pitch conditions at R Premadasa Stadium? The Colombo venue offers slow, turning pitches favoring spinners with average T20 scores around 160-170. Evening dew can assist second innings batting.
