Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against Ireland, led by Paul Stirling, in the sixth match of the tournament. The contest will take place at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 8.
The hosts, with home advantage, will hope to start the tournament on a winning note. Ireland, on the other hand, will aim to cause an early upset in the group stage. In World Cups, the recent form of teams often goes out the window.
This article will cover the SL vs IRE Match No. 6 preview, including the pitch report, weather forecast, head-to-head records, probable playing XIs, and live streaming details.
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SL vs IRE Match No. 6 Preview
Date and Venue:
The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is set to host the sixth match of the T20 World Cup 2026, featuring hosts Sri Lanka and Ireland on Sunday, February 8.
SL vs IRE Squads:
Playing in home conditions gives Sri Lanka a massive advantage, but the pressure of expectation will be heavy on their shoulders. Ireland, on the other hand, will face a tough challenge as they look to improve on their historically mixed T20 World Cup record.
Sri Lanka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga.
Ireland Squad: Paul Stirling (c), Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, George Dockrell, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.
SL vs IRE Probable XIs:
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushmantha Chameera.
Ireland Playing XI: Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Ben Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Josh Little, Matthew Humphreys.
SL vs IRE Match No. 6 Key Battles
Paul Stirling vs Maheesh Theekshana
Paul Stirling is Ireland’s most dangerous batter and loves to dominate pace bowling. However, he has historically struggled to pick up spin early in his innings.
Maheesh Theekshana, with his carrom balls and sliders, is likely to open the bowling to target Stirling. If Theekshana removes the Irish skipper early, Sri Lanka could take control of the game. If Stirling survives and counterattacks, Ireland could post a threatening total.
Wanindu Hasaranga vs Harry Tector
Harry Tector is Ireland’s best player of spin in the batting order. He uses his feet well and rotates the strike efficiently. Wanindu Hasaranga will look to lure Tector into a false shot with his googly. This middle-overs battle could decide whether Ireland manage to accelerate towards the end.
Pathum Nissanka vs Josh Little
Pathum Nissanka is Sri Lanka’s in-form batter and provides a solid platform for the big hitters. Josh Little offers a left-arm angle and swing with the new ball and will look to trap Nissanka LBW with his inswingers. Nissanka’s ability to handle Little’s opening spell will be crucial for the hosts.
SL vs IRE Match No. 6 Key Players:
Sri Lanka: Wanindu Hasaranga, Pathum Nissanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Mendis
Ireland: Paul Stirling, Josh Little, Harry Tector, Mark Adair
SL vs IRE Match No. 6 – Free Live Streaming and Telecast Details
TV Broadcast in India: The sixth match of the T20 World Cup 2026 between Sri Lanka and Ireland will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network.
Online Live Streaming in India: Fans can watch the match live on the Jio Hotstar app/website.
Match Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Time: The match is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM IST (local time).
SL vs IRE Weather and Pitch Report – Colombo
SL vs IRE Weather Report in Colombo:
The weather in Colombo for Sunday’s match is expected to be ideal for cricket. The temperature will be around 22°C at night. There is a low chance of passing showers in the evening, and a full game is expected.
SL vs IRE Pitch Report at R. Premadasa Stadium:
The pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium is known to be spin-friendly. It assists spinners from the very first over, with the ball gripping the surface.
However, under lights, the ball may skid better, helping batters play their strokes. The average first-innings score at this venue is around 150, while the average second-innings score is close to 135.
SL vs IRE Head-to-Head Records
| Stats | Matches | SL Won | IRE Won | Draw | Tied | NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| In Sri Lanka | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Last 5 T20Is* | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
SL vs IRE Head-to-Head Records: Key Statistics
According to ESPNCricinfo, Sri Lanka have a flawless record against Ireland in T20 Internationals. The two teams have faced each other three times, with Sri Lanka winning all three matches. Ireland are yet to register a victory against the Asian side in this format.
SL vs IRE Head-to-Head Records: Last Matches
Sri Lanka have dominated recent encounters, including convincing wins in past World Cup editions. The gap in experience has been a key factor in these results.
SL vs IRE Head-to-Head Records – Results of Previous Matches:
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Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets in Hobart (T20 World Cup 2022)
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Sri Lanka won by 70 runs in Abu Dhabi (T20 World Cup 2021)
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Sri Lanka won by 9 runs at Lord’s (2009 T20 World Cup)
SL vs IRE Match No. 6 – Conclusion:
Sri Lanka will enter the match as the favourites. They have the home advantage, a spin attack suited to the conditions, and a batting lineup that can adjust to different tracks.
Ireland have the firepower to cause an upset, especially if Paul Stirling fires, but their weakness against high-quality spin could be a concern. Unless the Irish bowlers produce a magical spell with the new ball, Sri Lanka are expected to secure a comfortable victory.
Also read: Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of cricket ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
