Sri Lanka’s last‑minute decision to bring in Kamindu Mendis proved inspired, as the all‑rounder delivered a blistering cameo to set up a 20‑run victory over Ireland in their T20 World Cup opener at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium.
Coming in with Sri Lanka struggling at 86 for 4 in the 14th over, Kamindu smashed a game‑changing 44 off just 19 balls, hammering four fours and two sixes. His arrival broke a 57‑ball boundary drought and completely shifted the momentum, including a devastating 21‑run burst in the 17th over.
With Kusal Mendis anchoring the innings with an unbeaten half‑century, Sri Lanka recovered from a sluggish start to post a competitive 163.
Ireland began their chase steadily, boosted by a 49‑run stand between Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector, reaching a promising 105 for 2. But Sri Lanka’s spinners soon took control.
The trio of Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage ripped through the middle order, sharing seven wickets to derail Ireland’s hopes. Hasaranga finished with three wickets, taking his World Cup tally to 40, second only to Shakib Al Hasan’s 50.
There was concern when Hasaranga limped off with a hamstring issue after his second over, though he later returned to complete his spell — albeit moving gingerly, raising questions about his fitness for the rest of the tournament.
Ireland eventually folded for 143 in 19.5 overs, with Matheesha Pathirana sealing the win by taking two wickets in the final over. Captain Paul Stirling admitted his side let the game slip, saying Sri Lanka scored “15 runs too many” and that Ireland were “a bit sloppy in the field.”
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be buoyed by Kamindu’s explosive impact a late call‑up who delivered exactly when his team needed it most.
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