ICC World Cup 2026: Match 6, SL vs IRE Match Prediction – Who will win today’s T20 World Cup League match between Sri Lanka vs Ireland?

Sri Lanka and Ireland are set to face off in the 6th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on February 8. With both teams eyeing crucial points early in the group stage, this clash could play an important role. 

Sri Lanka will walk into the encounter with the advantage of familiar conditions and a balanced squad featuring quality spin and pace options. Their batting will revolve around experienced batters like Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka, while the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana will be key with the ball, especially as the pitch slows down. 

Ireland, on the other hand, will look to rely on their aggressive approach and growing confidence in global tournaments. Led by Paul Stirling, they possess several players capable of taking the game away if given momentum. Josh Little’s new-ball spells and Curtis Campher’s all-round contributions could be vital against a strong Sri Lankan lineup.

With conditions expected to offer something for both batters and bowlers, a competitive contest is on the cards as both sides aim to make a strong statement in Group B.

SL vs IRE Match Details

R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo — Pitch Report

The iconic R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo have hosted 59 T20 matches till date, with average first inning score of just 142, which can be considered as moderate in today’s time in T20 cricket. The teams have won 23 times batting first at the venue compared to 35 wins batting second, which indicates that the pitch and the playing conditions might favour the chasing team. The pitch here historically has been a little spin-friendly. 

SL vs IRE Head to Head T20I Record

The World Cup clash between Sri Lanka and Ireland will be their fourth encounter in T20Is. The Lankans hold a clear edge over the Irish team, having won all three matches so far.

SL vs IRE Predicted Playing XIs

Sri Lanka:

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

Ireland:

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

SL vs IRE Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter: Pathum Nissanka

The Sri Lanka opener will be a crucial figure in the hosts batting line-up. The right-hand batter will look to make the most of the familiar playing conditions.  In 84 matches, he has scored over 2400 runs, at a decent strike rate of 127.3. 

Probable Best Bowler: Wanindu Hasaranga

The former No. 1 bowler in T20I cricket, Wanindu Hasaranga will be the biggest threat for the Irish batters. With the playing conditions expected to be spin-friendly, the leg-spinner is set to a massive role in his side’s success against the visitors. 

Today’s Match Prediction: Sri Lanka to win the match