Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Ireland Playing XI, Match No.6 - ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Sri Lanka will take on Ireland in Match No. 6 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 8. It will be the first match for both teams in the marquee tournament, and they will be hoping to secure a victory.

Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, and Ireland, led by Paul Stirling, are placed in Group B along with Australia, Oman, and Zimbabwe. A win in the opening match will help set the tone. The top two teams from the group will advance to the Super 8s of the tournament.

This article provides the probable playing XIs of Sri Lanka and Ireland for the sixth match of the tournament, likely team combinations, and key players to watch in Colombo.

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Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Ireland, Match No. 6

Openers: Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara

Sri Lanka are likely to open with Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara. Nissanka, known for his consistency, will anchor the innings, while the young Mishara provides a left-handed option at the top.

The pair will look to handle the new ball and score freely against the fast bowlers during the powerplay. A strong start could allow the middle order to put pressure on the spinners later.

Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga

Kusal Mendis is expected to bat at number three, adding experience to a key position. Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage strengthen the middle order and help steady the innings against spin.

The finishing role will likely be shared by Kamindu Mendis, captain Dasun Shanaka, and Wanindu Hasaranga, all of whom can clear the ropes in the final overs.

Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushmantha Chameera

Sri Lanka will depend on Matheesha Pathirana’s pace and slingy action, along with the experience of Dushmantha Chameera. Maheesh Theekshana will lead the spin attack alongside Hasaranga. Overall, Sri Lanka have several match winners well suited to the conditions.

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 vs Sri Lanka, Match No. 6

Openers: Paul Stirling (c) and Ross Adair

Veteran Paul Stirling will lead the side and remains a key figure in the batting lineup. With former captain Andy Balbirnie out of the T20I setup, Ross Adair is expected to open alongside Stirling. Young Tim Tector is also in contention for the spot.

Middle Order and All-Rounders: Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, Ben Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany

Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker are likely to bat at No. 3 and 4, respectively. Curtis Campher and Gareth Delany add depth, while George Dockrell’s left-arm spin could be important on the turning Colombo surface. Ben Calitz provides extra batting support.

Bowlers: Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys

Mark Adair, Ireland’s leading T20I wicket-taker, will spearhead the attack. Left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys can be effective with the new ball, especially in the powerplay.

Notably, star pacer Josh Little has struggled with form and fitness and may not start. Barry McCarthy could compete for the seamer’s spot as Ireland look to balance their attack with spin options.

Ireland Playing XI: Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, Ben Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys.

Sri Lanka begin the match as clear favourites at home. Ireland’s top order lacks a strong left-handed batter. Sri Lanka’s quality spin attack is likely to exploit this weakness on a turning pitch and keep control of the game.