Match Overview
SL vs IRE Dream11 Prediction, The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks into high gear as co-hosts Sri Lanka take on Ireland in Match 6 of Group B at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This crucial encounter scheduled for February 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM local time (1:30 PM GMT) promises to be an intriguing contest between two teams with contrasting recent form.
Match Details
- Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
- Match: 6th Match, Group B
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM Local (1:30 PM GMT)
Team Form Analysis
Sri Lanka’s Recent Form
Sri Lanka enter this tournament carrying the weight of recent disappointments. Their form has been concerning, having suffered a 0-3 clean sweep against England at home just before the World Cup. Their recent T20I record reads LLLWW in their last five matches, and captain Dasun Shanaka has publicly expressed concerns about the slow nature of Sri Lankan pitches for T20 cricket.
The statistics paint a worrying picture – Sri Lanka hasn’t had a positive win-loss record in T20Is in any calendar year since 2022. Their record at R. Premadasa Stadium is particularly troubling, standing at 8-24 in T20Is, the worst among their four home venues. The last T20I played at this venue saw Bangladesh chase down 133 with eight wickets to spare in July 2025.
Despite home advantage, Sri Lanka haven’t qualified for the T20 World Cup knockouts since 2014, despite reaching four consecutive semi-finals between 2009 and 2014.
Ireland’s Recent Momentum
Ireland come into this match with renewed confidence following back-to-back series victories. Though these wins came against Italy and UAE in Dubai, the Irish team showed positive signs, posting a WWLWW record in their last five completed T20Is. However, they’ll need to overcome the mental hurdle of having failed to win a single match at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The Irish team will draw inspiration from Netherlands’ strong performance against Pakistan in the tournament opener, proving that so-called smaller teams can compete at the highest level.
Head-to-Head Record
Sri Lanka hold a commanding advantage in T20I meetings between these two nations:
- Matches Played: 3
- Sri Lanka Wins: 3
- Ireland Wins: 0
- Previous meetings: 2009, 2021, and 2022 World Cups
Venue Analysis: R. Premadasa Stadium
The R. Premadasa Stadium has hosted 59 T20 matches with some fascinating statistics:
- Average First Innings Score: 142 (moderate by modern T20 standards)
- Batting First Wins: 23
- Chasing Wins: 35
- Pitch Nature: Spin-friendly surface that grips from the first over
The venue clearly favors teams chasing, with the last eight consecutive T20Is at this ground won by the chasing side. The toss will be crucial in determining the match outcome.
Weather Forecast
The weather in Colombo is expected to be ideal for cricket, with temperatures around 22°C at night. There’s a low chance of passing showers in the evening, but a full game is anticipated.
Key Players to Watch
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka (Opener)
- Total T20I Runs: 2,437 at an average of 30.84
- Recent Form: 717 runs since 2025 start at a strike rate of 147.22
- Notable Achievement: Maiden T20I century (107 off 58 balls vs India in Asia Cup)
- Dream11 Pick: Essential captain/vice-captain option
Wanindu Hasaranga (Leg-spinner)
- T20 World Cup Record: 37 wickets in 19 matches at 11.72
- Special Achievement: Holds a T20 World Cup hat-trick
- Spin-friendly conditions make him a lethal weapon
- Dream11 Pick: Premium choice for captain
Matheesha Pathirana (Fast bowler)
- Emerging pace threat
- Key wicket-taker in death overs
Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper-batsman)
- Recent stats: 227 runs in 10 matches at average 25.22, SR 127.52
Ireland
Paul Stirling (Captain/Opener)
- Leading run-scorer for Ireland
- Recent Struggles: Only 233 runs in 14 T20Is since 2025 (avg 19.41, SR 133.14)
- Just 112 runs short of 4,000 T20I runs milestone
- Key player despite poor form
Harry Tector (Middle-order)
- Recent Form: 348 runs in 10 matches at average 49.71, SR 135.93
- Ireland’s most consistent performer
- Dream11 Pick: Reliable middle-order option
Mark Adair (Fast bowler)
- All-round capabilities
- vs Sri Lanka: 2 wickets at 25.5 average
Curtis Campher (All-rounder)
- Historic Achievement: Only player to take four in four balls in T20 World Cup history
- Vital all-round contributions expected
Matthew Humphreys (Spinner)
- Economy rate of 6.48 since 2025 start (6th best among Full Member bowlers with 40+ overs)
Josh Little (Fast bowler)
- Holds a T20 World Cup hat-trick
- Form and fitness concerns may affect selection
Dream11 Team Prediction
Suggested Dream11 Playing XI
Wicketkeeper:
- Kusal Mendis (SL) / Lorcan Tucker (IRE)
Batsmen:
- Pathum Nissanka (SL) – Captain choice
- Kamil Mishara (SL)
- Harry Tector (IRE)
- Paul Stirling (IRE)
All-rounders:
- Curtis Campher (IRE)
- Kamindu Mendis (SL)
- Charith Asalanka (SL)
Bowlers:
- Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) – Vice-Captain/Captain choice
- Matheesha Pathirana (SL)
- Mark Adair (IRE)
Captain and Vice-Captain Picks
Top Captain Choices:
- Wanindu Hasaranga – Spin-friendly conditions favor him
- Pathum Nissanka – In excellent form with strike rate of 147+
- Harry Tector – Ireland’s most consistent performer
Top Vice-Captain Choices:
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis
- Curtis Campher
Probable Playing XIs
Sri Lanka Probable XI:
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Mishara
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Charith Asalanka
- Kamindu Mendis
- Janith Liyanage
- Dasun Shanaka (c)
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Dushmantha Chameera
Ireland Probable XI:
- Paul Stirling (c)
- Ross Adair
- Lorcan Tucker (wk)
- Harry Tector
- Curtis Campher
- Ben Calitz
- George Dockrell
- Gareth Delany
- Mark Adair
- Matthew Humphreys
- Barry McCarthy/Josh Little
Match Prediction
Key Factors:
- Spin-friendly pitch favors Sri Lanka’s quality spin attack
- Chasing team has won last 8 matches at this venue
- Sri Lanka’s poor form vs Ireland’s growing confidence
- Home advantage under pressure
Predicted Score:
- Team Batting First: 165-175
- Team Chasing: Should target conservatively given pitch nature
Winner Prediction: Sri Lanka hold the advantage due to:
- Home conditions and familiarity with the venue
- Superior spin attack led by Hasaranga
- Historical dominance over Ireland
- Pathum Nissanka’s excellent recent form
However, Ireland possess the capability to cause an upset if Paul Stirling fires at the top and their bowlers produce early wickets.
Win Probability: Sri Lanka 65% – Ireland 35%
Strategic Insights for Dream11
- Prioritize spinners: The pitch assists spin from the first over
- Back form over reputation: Nissanka over struggling Stirling for captaincy
- Include chasing team batsmen: Historical trend favors second innings
- All-rounders are key: Campher and Kamindu Mendis offer dual value
- Don’t overlook Ireland players: Tector and Campher can provide differential picks
Conclusion
This match sets up as a fascinating contest between a struggling but talented Sri Lankan side playing at home and a confident Irish team looking to make history. While Sri Lanka start as favorites due to conditions and quality spin bowling, Ireland’s recent momentum and batting firepower make them dangerous opponents.
The toss will be crucial, with the chasing side holding a significant advantage. Sri Lanka’s spin trio of Hasaranga, Theekshana, and Wellalage could prove decisive on a surface that assists turn. For Ireland, early wickets through their pace attack and a big innings from Tector or Stirling would be essential for an upset.
Fantasy players should lean toward Sri Lankan picks, particularly Nissanka and Hasaranga, while using Tector and Campher as differential options from Ireland.
Note: All statistics and team news are accurate as of February 7, 2026. Final playing XIs may change based on team management decisions.
