Colombo: Co-hosts Sri Lanka began their T20 World Cup campaign with an impressive 20-run victory over Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. Here’s a look at the standout numbers from the Group B clash.
Spin twins Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga were the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets each to derail Ireland’s chase.
Ireland suffered a major collapse, losing their last eight wickets for just 38 runs (from 105/2 to 143), marking the second-worst batting collapse in T20 World Cup history.
A notable moment in the game came when Barry McCarthy bowled 11 deliveries in the 19th over, equalling the joint-most number of balls bowled in a single over in T20 World Cups alongside five other instances.
Spinners dominated the match, delivering a total of 25 overs combined, making it only the fourth T20 World Cup match where spinners bowled 25 or more overs in a completed game.
With this match, Wanindu Hasaranga now has 40 World Cup wickets, moving him to the second-most successful bowler in T20 World Cup history, behind Shakib Al Hasan (50).
Sri Lanka’s batting was initially under pressure at 87/4, with no boundaries scored in the middle overs. However, Kamindu Mendis blazed a quick 44 off 19 balls, and Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten on 56 off 43 balls, scoring his 18th half-century in his 101st match, to lift Sri Lanka to a competitive 163/6.
During Ireland’s chase of 164, the visitors looked well-placed at 105/2, with Harry Tector poised to take control alongside Lorcan Tucker. However, quick dismissals of both batsmen triggered a collapse, and Ireland were eventually bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs.
Sri Lanka’s victory highlighted their strong spin attack and resilient middle-order batting, setting a positive tone for their tournament campaign.
With IANS inputs