Sri Lanka vs Ireland, 6th Match, Group B T20 World Cup 2026 Match Prediction – SL vs IRE Today Match Preview, Pitch Report & Toss Prediction

Sri Lanka’s home advantage, stronger bowling depth, and perfect T20I record against Ireland push them firmly ahead before the first ball is bowled.

SL vs IRE Betting Tips

• Sri Lanka to win
• Top Sri Lanka Batter: Kusal Mendis
• Top Ireland Batter: Harry Tector
• Top Sri Lanka Bowler: Dushmantha Chameera
• Innings Runs: Sri Lanka over 165 if batting first
• Toss & Match Combo: Toss winner to bowl first

These tips are shaped by recent form, pitch behaviour, and the chasing advantage at Colombo.

Sri Lanka vs Ireland Betting Odds

Odds are indicative and meant for comparison purposes only.

Sri Lanka vs Ireland Match Prediction & Analysis

Sri Lanka entered this contest desperate to reset after a tough home series loss to England, where issues with consistency and execution were exposed. Despite that, their overall quality, especially in familiar Colombo conditions, still places them a level above Ireland.

Ireland, meanwhile, arrived with confidence built from a successful warm-up series against Italy and dominant performances against UAE. Their batting has looked fluent, but the challenge here is entirely different: slow pitches, high-quality spin, and experienced death bowling.

Historically, this fixture has been one-sided. Sri Lanka have won every T20 meeting against Ireland, including a comfortable victory in a World Cup warm-up. Unless Ireland’s top order takes early control and attacks the spinners, the gap in conditions-awareness and bowling depth could quickly show.

SL vs IRE Head to Head (T20Is)

SL vs IRE Head to Head (T20I World Cup)

Sri Lanka won the last ICC warm-up match by 41 runs.

SL vs IRE Team Preview

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s recent results mask the individual form within the squad. Pathum Nissanka showed intent at the top, while Kusal Mendis was the standout batter against England with 95 runs at a strike rate above 150. The middle order, featuring Charith Asalanka and Pavan Rathnayake, adds stability and controlled aggression.

Bowling remains their biggest strength. Dushmantha Chameera has been exceptional this season, supported by Matheesha Pathirana’s variations at the death. Spin will be key in Colombo, making Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga central to Sri Lanka’s plans.

SL Probable Playing XI– Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana

Ireland

Ireland bring momentum and clarity in roles. Harry Tector has been outstanding recently, scoring heavily with consistency, while Paul Stirling remains the heartbeat of their batting unit with vast T20I experience. Lorcan Tucker’s role in the middle order becomes vital against spin.

Bowling-wise, Mark Adair and Matthew Humphreys provide wicket-taking options, but sustaining pressure across 20 overs on a slow pitch is the real test. Ireland’s success hinged on early wickets and fearless batting in the powerplay.

IRE Probable Playing XI- Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Ben Calitz, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Craig Young / Ben White

SL vs IRE Pitch Report

The pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium is traditionally slow and rewards patience. Timing the ball is more important than raw power, and spinners enjoy significant assistance as the match progresses especially in the second inning.

• Average first-innings score: 160–170
• Competitive total: 170+
• Dew factor: No significant dew expected

Chasing teams have won each of the last five T20Is at this venue.

SL vs IRE Weather Report

• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C
• Sky Conditions: Overcast
• Rain: Light showers possible earlier
• Wind Speed: 3–8 km/h

A delayed start is possible, but conditions are expected to improve later in the evening.

SL vs IRE Toss Prediction

Given the recent chasing trend and overcast conditions, captains are likely to bowl first. Seamers get early movement, and a DLS-shortened chase could favour the team batting second.

Toss prediction: Bowl first.

Sri Lanka vs Ireland Winning Prediction

Sri Lanka have far more experience in home conditions, a deeper bowling attack, and a flawless record against Ireland in T20 cricket. While Ireland’s in-form batters give them a fighting chance, sustained pressure against spin remains their biggest hurdle.

If Sri Lanka execute their plans and control the middle overs, the contest should stay firmly in their hands.

Final Prediction: Sri Lanka to win

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