SL vs IRE Match Prediction : 6th Match, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2026
SL vs IRE Win Probability
100%
Ireland
Sri Lanka To Win, 1.13
Sri Lanka possesses a world-class spin attack perfectly suited to the Colombo surface
Pathum Nissanka anchors a batting lineup capable of maximizing the powerplay without taking reckless risks
Ireland is an improved T20 side but it is still the format where it struggles the most
SL vs IRE Betting Tips
First ball of the match to be a dot ball
There is solid value in backing a conservative start. With both teams looking to settle into tournament rhythm, the openers are unlikely to take unnecessary risks on the very first delivery. Expect the batters to respect the new ball, assess the surface, and prioritize keeping their wickets intact, making a dot ball the most probable outcome.
Pathum Nissanka to score more than 22.5 runs
Pathum Nissanka enjoys batting at the R Premadasa Stadium. In his last T20I appearance at this venue, the right-hander looked comfortable while scoring 46 against Bangladesh. Furthermore, his only previous T20I innings against Ireland resulted in a half-century. Given his form and history, the line of 22.5 runs looks very beatable for the Sri Lankan opener.
Team form (Last 5 matches)
Sri Lanka
Ireland
Sri Lanka are the clear masters of their home conditions. They should face little resistance from an Irish side that has historically struggled to adapt to the subcontinental turning tracks and has yet to record a win against the Lions.
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Sri Lanka vs Ireland Head-to-Head Record
Sri Lanka and Ireland have met three times in T20 Internationals. The record is decidedly one-sided, with Sri Lanka winning all three encounters against the Irish.
Sri Lanka vs Ireland Live-streaming and Broadcast
| Country | TV Channel | Live Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| India | Star Sports Network | Disney+ Hotstar App |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Ten Sports | Myco App, Tamasha App |
| Australia | — | Amazon Prime Video |
| England (UK) | Sky Sports (Cricket/Main Event) | SkyGO, NOW, Sky Sports App |
| USA & Canada | Willow TV | Willow by Cricbuzz App |
| West Indies | ESPN Caribbean | ESPN Play Caribbean |
| South Africa | SuperSport | SuperSport App |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ | Sky Sport Now, Sky Go |
| Sri Lanka | Maharaja TV (TV1, Sirasa, Shakti) | ICC.tv / Maharaja TV Website |
| Bangladesh | Nagorik TV | Toffee |
| UAE & MENA | CricLife MAX | StarzPlay, StarzON |
You can find live odds, updated tips after every day's play, and more information about this match at ocbsports.com.
SL vs IRE Team Previews
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka enters this contest with optimism after remaining highly competitive against a star-studded England lineup recently. The Lions showed massive improvement in the third T20I of that series, proving they can hang with the best.
Young Pavan Rathnayake was the standout revelation; his fearless knock of 40 in the second T20I showed he has the temperament for the big stage. Meanwhile, veteran Kusal Mendis remains a reliable anchor, showing typical composure with a solid 26 in his previous outing.
However, it is Sri Lanka’s bowling attack that makes them dangerous in these conditions. The powerplay is spearheaded by the searing pace and slingy action of Matheesha Pathirana, who claimed two wickets in his last powerplay spell.
Following the pace, the disciplined spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage will look to strangle the Irish batters; they combined for figures of 2/44 in eight overs recently. With Dushmantha Chameera coming off a five-wicket haul, the attack has a perfect blend of youthful excitement and veteran precision.
Sri Lanka Expected Playing 11
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana
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Ireland
Despite securing a series win against the UAE in Dubai, Ireland’s preparation has revealed worrying cracks. The second T20I exposed significant batting frailties that could be fatal against a team of Sri Lanka’s caliber.
The most glaring issue was a top-order collapse that left them reeling at 101/7 by the 14th over. Specialist batters Ross Adair, Paul Stirling, and Harry Tector all got starts but failed to convert, forcing the lower order to mount a rescue act—a strategy that rarely works against top-tier nations.
To compete here, Ireland needs better penetration with the new ball. Against the UAE, they allowed a comfortable start of 55/1 in the powerplay; if they offer that same freedom to the Sri Lankan openers, the game could be over quickly.
The silver lining remains their ability to squeeze runs in the middle and death overs, but they will be heavily tested against a team built for success in Asia.
Ireland Expected Playing 11
Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, Ben Calitz, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys
SL vs IRE Toss Prediction
The toss is crucial here. The past eight consecutive T20I matches at the R Premadasa Stadium have been won by the chasing side. With the dew factor likely to come into play during the second innings, both captains will be desperate to bowl first.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The R Premadasa Stadium offers a traditional subcontinental wicket. While there may be some carry for the seamers early on, it quickly transitions into a spinner’s paradise where the ball grips and turns. Batters must be patient in the powerplay to capitalize later. However, high humidity and a dry surface can make the ball "hold" in the pitch during the day.
At night, dew becomes a major equalizer, making the ball skid on nicely for the chasing team. A first-innings score of 180 runs is generally considered the par score required to feel safe defending. The weather in Colombo will be partly sunny and extremely warm, with light breezes.
Rain probability is low (10%), ensuring an uninterrupted match.
SL vs IRE: Who Will Win?
Conditions are heavily stacked in favor of the home side. Sri Lanka is well-equipped to manipulate the spin-friendly conditions, while Ireland’s historical struggles in Asia are a major concern. The Irish top order's recent vulnerability against the UAE does not bode well against the likes of Theekshana and Pathirana.
Bet on Sri Lanka to win.
