Ireland lost their opening game at the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup by 20 runs, defeated by the tournament co-hosts Sri Lanka in front of a packed house. After winning the toss at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Ireland had to wait until the fourth over to claim their first wicket. Ireland will look back and rue missed chances as Sri Lanka took the game on and made the most of some sub-par fielding. In reply, Paul Stirling and Ross Adair began well in the chase until Stirling was dismissed by Theekshana early in the fourth over. Hasaranga de Silva eventually bowled Adair with a much slower delivery.

Source: Irish Examiner February 08, 2026 19:49 UTC