SL vs IRE Head-to-Head Records: ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Match 6

SL vs IRE head to head [Source: @ICC/x.com]

Sri Lanka are all set to kick off their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 8. The clash promises to be an exciting contest as both teams look to start their campaign on the right foot and grab early momentum.

Ahead of this crucial fixture, let’s dive into the head-to-head numbers and recent form to see what kind of battle we can expect when Sri Lanka and Ireland lock horns.

SL vs IRE Preview Match 6

Sri Lanka are entering the tournament with a point to prove. After a forgettable 3-0 whitewash against England, the Lankan camp has been under the scanner. Dasun Shanaka’s men still have plenty of firepower. 

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis will hold the fort with the bat. With the ball, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga form a lethal trio. Playing at home, Sri Lanka will look to hit the reset button and get their campaign rolling.

Ireland, though, won’t just roll over. They have built a reputation for being giant killers. When least expected, they punch above their weight. They recently defeated Italy 2-0 in a T20I series and will arrive with confidence in their camp. 

Captain Paul Stirling will lead from the front. Gareth Delany, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Mark Adair and Joshua Little add balance to the squad. If they click together, Ireland can ruffle a few feathers.

SL vs IRE Head to Head Records (Overall)

SL vs IRE Head to Head Records in T20Is

Sri Lanka vs Ireland Highest Team Total In T20Is

The highest total in SL vs IRE T20Is was registered by Sri Lanka when they posted 171/7 during the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Sri Lanka vs Ireland Lowest Team Total in T20Is

The lowest team total in SL vs IRE T20Is belongs to Ireland. They were bowled out for 101 while chasing 172 in the 2021 T20 World Cup clash.

Sri Lanka vs Ireland Highest Individual Score in T20Is

Wanindu Hasaranga holds the highest individual score from the current squads in this fixture. He smashed 71 off 47 balls with 10 fours and one six.

Sri Lanka vs Ireland Best Bowling Figures in T20Is

Joshua Little owns the best bowling figures in SL vs IRE T20Is. He picked up 4/23 in the 2021 T20 World Cup and kept Sri Lanka to 171/7.

Most Runs for Sri Lanka vs Ireland in T20Is

Wanindu Hasaranga also leads the run charts from the current squads in this fixture. He has scored 71 runs in two matches at a strike rate of 151.06.

Most Wickets for Sri Lanka vs Ireland in T20Is

Maheesh Theekshana tops the wicket charts in SL vs IRE T20Is from the current squads with five wickets in two matches. He has been miserly with the ball and maintained a tight economy of 4.5.

Top Run Scorer of the last SL vs IRE T20I

The last time these two sides met was in the T20 World Cup 2022. Kusal Mendis stole the show with a blazing 68 that helped Sri Lanka chase down the target comfortably in just 15 overs.

Top Wicket Taker of the last SL vs IRE T20I

Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga both picked up two wickets each in that match. Their spin web helped restrict Ireland to a modest total of 128/8 and set up the win.

Sri Lanka vs Ireland T20I Form

Conclusion

On paper, Sri Lanka start as favourites. They have the home advantage, stronger head-to-head numbers and players who thrive in these conditions. But Ireland have made a habit of springing surprises when no one sees it coming.

If Sri Lanka’s spinners get into rhythm and the top order fires, they should have enough in the tank to seal the deal. But if Ireland strike early and keep things tight, this contest could go down to the wire.