By Alam Zeb Safi
COLOMBO: A blistering late assault from Kamindu Mendis and a disciplined spin effort powered Sri Lanka to a 20-run victory over Ireland in their Group B clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.
Kamindu Mendis smashed 44 off just 19 balls to lift Sri Lanka to a competitive 163 for 6 after they were put into bat, before Ireland were restricted to 143 all out with one ball remaining in their chase of 164. The win gave Sri Lanka two valuable points and early momentum in the group stage.
Sri Lanka’s innings was built around a measured half-century from Kusal Mendis, who anchored the middle order with an unbeaten 56 off 43 balls. After early wickets slowed the hosts including Pathum Nissanka and debutant Kamil Mishara inside the powerplay Kusal Mendis stabilised the innings with calm rotation against Ireland’s spinners.
Ireland briefly pulled things back through George Dockrell whose tidy spell of 2 for 17 kept Sri Lanka in check through the middle overs. But the balance of the innings swung sharply at the death when Kamindu Mendis arrived.
The left-hander launched an aggressive counterattack, striking four fours and two sixes at a strike rate above 230, adding 67 runs in the last five overs. His stand with Kusal Mendis ensured Sri Lanka crossed the 160 mark despite late wickets to Barry McCarthy.
Chasing 164, Ireland made a hesitant start and lost captain Paul Stirling cheaply to Maheesh Theekshana. Ross Adair provided early intent with a brisk 34, while Harry Tector held the innings together with a patient 40 off 34 balls.
Ireland were well placed at 105 for 2 in the 14th over, but the match turned decisively when Sri Lanka’s spin trio tightened the screws. Wanindu Hasaranga removed Tector and Curtis Campher in quick succession while Theekshana struck twice more to derail the chase.
With the required rate climbing, Ireland lost regular wickets at the death. Matheesha Pathirana’s pace and yorkers cleaned up the tail as Ireland were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs.
Hasaranga finished with 3 for 25 and Theekshana claimed 3 for 23, underlining Sri Lanka’s control in the decisive phase of the match.
Kamindu Mendis was named Player of the Match for his game-changing cameo, which transformed a modest total into a winning one.
Summarised Score
Sri Lanka 163/6 (20 overs)
Kusal Mendis 56* (43), Kamindu Mendis 44 (19)
Dockrell 2/17, McCarthy 2/40
Ireland 143 all out (19.5 overs)
Harry Tector 40 (34), Ross Adair 34 (23)
Hasaranga 3/25, Theekshana 3/23
Result: Sri Lanka won by 20 runs
Player of the Match: Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)
Points: Sri Lanka 2, Ireland 0
