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Sri Lanka and Ireland are set to face off in the sixth match of Group B at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo on February 8, with the co-hosts entering the tournament under more pressure than comfort. Once a powerhouse in the shortest format, Sri Lanka have struggled to rediscover their old consistency, having failed to reach the knockout stages of a T20 World Cup since 2014. Even at home, results have been concerning, with an 8-24 win-loss record at the R Premadasa Stadium, their poorest T20I venue.
Recent form has done little to lift confidence. Sri Lanka were whitewashed 3-0 by England at home, and skipper Dasun Shanaka has openly expressed concerns about slow pitches not being ideal for T20 cricket. Their campaign may once again hinge heavily on Pathum Nissanka, who has emerged as their most reliable batter. While his career strike rate stands at 127.25, Nissanka has transformed his approach since 2025, scoring 717 runs at a strike rate of 147.22, including a maiden T20I century of 107 against India.
Ireland, meanwhile, see this match as a genuine opportunity to cause an upset. After a winless outing at the 2024 T20 World Cup, they arrive with momentum from recent series victories over Italy and the UAE. Conditions in Colombo could suit them, especially with a dry pitch expected to aid spinners. However, captain Paul Stirling’s form remains a concern, having managed just 233 runs in 14 T20Is since 2025.
Statistically, Ireland’s Matthew Humphreys stands out, boasting the sixth-best economy rate (6.48) among Full Member bowlers since 2025. With Australia also in the group, Ireland likely need to beat either Sri Lanka or Australia to progress, making this contest crucial. For Sri Lanka, anything less than a convincing start at home could further deepen doubts around a team still searching for its lost T20 glory.
Squads:
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Perera, Pramod Madushan, Pavan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage
Ireland: Paul Stirling, 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
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All posters, please take note of the following guidelines for match threads on PakPassion:
1. No personal insults at other posters, players, officials, coaching staff, etc.
2. No making fun of players', officials', or coaching staff's names.
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4. Stick to commenting on this match. There is no need to bring other countries into the match discussion, as there are plenty of other threads where those discussions can be added.
Recent form has done little to lift confidence. Sri Lanka were whitewashed 3-0 by England at home, and skipper Dasun Shanaka has openly expressed concerns about slow pitches not being ideal for T20 cricket. Their campaign may once again hinge heavily on Pathum Nissanka, who has emerged as their most reliable batter. While his career strike rate stands at 127.25, Nissanka has transformed his approach since 2025, scoring 717 runs at a strike rate of 147.22, including a maiden T20I century of 107 against India.
Ireland, meanwhile, see this match as a genuine opportunity to cause an upset. After a winless outing at the 2024 T20 World Cup, they arrive with momentum from recent series victories over Italy and the UAE. Conditions in Colombo could suit them, especially with a dry pitch expected to aid spinners. However, captain Paul Stirling’s form remains a concern, having managed just 233 runs in 14 T20Is since 2025.
Statistically, Ireland’s Matthew Humphreys stands out, boasting the sixth-best economy rate (6.48) among Full Member bowlers since 2025. With Australia also in the group, Ireland likely need to beat either Sri Lanka or Australia to progress, making this contest crucial. For Sri Lanka, anything less than a convincing start at home could further deepen doubts around a team still searching for its lost T20 glory.
Squads:
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Perera, Pramod Madushan, Pavan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage
Ireland: Paul Stirling, 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
=======
All posters, please take note of the following guidelines for match threads on PakPassion:
1. No personal insults at other posters, players, officials, coaching staff, etc.
2. No making fun of players', officials', or coaching staff's names.
3. Do not add any references to media, their social media, or post any pictures or screenshots from other sports websites.
4. Stick to commenting on this match. There is no need to bring other countries into the match discussion, as there are plenty of other threads where those discussions can be added.
broadcaster losing all the eyeballs from Bangladeshis
