ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Match 6: SL vs IRE, head-to-head, pitch report and predicted playing XIs

Sri Lanka is all set to take on Ireland in Match 6 of Group B of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, February 8, at R. Premadasa Stadium Colombo. With both teams aiming to get more points in the initial phase of the tournament, it could be a vital day on their road to success at the World Cup.

The Sri Lankans will have home conditions and would therefore try to utilize that aspect of being at home. Their batting unit will rely on the experienced Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and captain Dasun Shanaka to provide stability. For Sri Lanka, with the ball, some really strong options in both spin and pace, Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana could play key roles if the surface slows down.

Ireland come into the contest with growing confidence and an attacking mindset. Led by Paul Stirling, the Irish side has shown they can challenge bigger teams on the world stage. Josh Little’s pace with the new ball and Curtis Campher’s all-round ability will be important if Ireland are to put pressure on Sri Lanka. Ireland go into this competition with increasing confidence and a positive style of play.

SL vs IRE: Head-to-Head in T20Is

• Matches Played: 3
• Sri Lanka Won: 3
• Ireland Won: 0
• No Result: 0

SL vs IRE: Pitch Report

Traditionally, the pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium has favored bowlers, especially spin bowlers The average first-innings score here is 140, so this has not been an easy venue for batters. Chasing teams have had more success, so captains winning the toss may opt to bowl.

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SL vs IRE: Predicted Playing XIs

Sri Lanka (SL):

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana

Ireland (IRE):

Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Gareth Delany, Ben Calitz, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy