SL vs IRE Today’s Match Prediction & Cricket Betting Tips: ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Match 6, February 8

Co-hosts and 2014 champions Sri Lanka will be in action in the 6th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. They will be squaring off against Ireland and would want to kick off their tournament campaign with a win. Sri Lanka hasn’t been at their best in recent times in the shortest format of the game. Ireland, on the other hand, has won their last 2 bilateral series and has some sort of momentum backing them. However, Sri Lanka will be a tough opponent for them, especially in home conditions. Expect a tough contest between the two sides. In this post, we have compiled free expert tips for the 6th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Win Probability: SL vs IRE

Despite an underwhelming show against England, the co-hosts and 2014 ICC T20 World Cup champions should start as the overwhelming favorites against Ireland. The Irish batters lack skills in playing spin in subcontinent conditions, especially in Sri Lanka, and this is something that could work in favor of the hosts. Therefore, expect the win probability meter to favor the 2014 champions. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 6th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

SL: 66% win chance
IRE: 34% win chance

Sri Lanka has had a torrid last few months in white-ball cricket. They have managed only a solitary win out of the last 5 T20Is, which includes 3 losses and an abandoned game.
They are heading into this World Cup after stumbling 0-3 at home against England.
Ireland has been impressive in their last 5 T20I outings, having won 4 and lost a solitary game.
They have won their last two bilateral T20I series played in the UAE against Italy and UAE.

Cricket Betting Tips for SL vs IRE- Match 6

Pathum Nissanka to score Over 26.5

The Sri Lankan opener has been their prolific run-getter in recent times. Nissanka had a cold series against England, but will look forward to shine in this World Cup.

Place Bet @ Odds 1.85 »

Kusal Mendis to score Over 25.5

The Sri Lankan vice-captain and wicket-keeper batter has amassed 227 runs in his last 10 T20I innings. Expect Mendis to have a good run in this World Cup.

Place Bet @ Odds 1.85 »

Harry Tector to score Over 14.5

In the last two bilateral series wins for Ireland, Harry Tector was scoring runs consistently. He will be a key player for the Irish side in the middle order having scored 348 runs in his last 10 outings at a brilliant average of 49.71.

Place Bet @ Odds 1.85 »

Lorcan Tucker to score Over 12.5

The Irish wicket-keeper has been in decent touch in recent times. In his last 10 innings, Tucker has amassed 227 runs.

Place Bet @ Odds 1.85 »

SL vs IRE Today’s Match Prediction

Check out our prediction for the SL vs IRE 6th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Can Ireland register their first victory over Sri Lanka in T20Is?

The 6th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo pits co-hosts and 2014 champions Sri Lanka against Ireland. For Sri Lanka, this is the start of their campaign, and they will be eager to assert dominance in familiar home conditions. Their spin-heavy attack and experienced batting lineup make them formidable opponents, especially on the slow Colombo surface.

Ireland, however, arrive with momentum, having won their last two bilateral series. That confidence could fuel their belief in breaking the streak against Sri Lanka, a team they have never beaten in T20Is. In three previous meetings, Sri Lanka have emerged victorious each time, highlighting the challenge Ireland face.

Yet, Ireland’s recent form and growing depth in both batting and bowling suggest they are better prepared than ever. If their top order can withstand Sri Lanka’s spinners and their bowlers maintain discipline, an upset is possible. For Ireland, this match is about rewriting history and proving they can compete with established champions.

Sri Lanka will look to register a big win at home in their tournament opener

Sri Lanka will be hoping to start off well in the ICC t20 World Cup 2026, especially after getting humiliated at home by England in the recently concluded 3-match T20I series by 0-3. Having lifted the trophy in 2014, Sri Lanka will be eager to make a strong statement in front of their passionate home crowd. The slow and turning conditions at Premadasa are tailor-made for their spinners, who will be central to their plans in restricting Ireland’s batting lineup.

Sri Lanka’s batting unit, led by experienced campaigners and dynamic stroke-makers, will look to adapt quickly to the surface and post a commanding total. Playing at home adds extra motivation, and the team will want to capitalize on familiar conditions to secure a convincing win.

For Ireland, the challenge will be immense, as they have never beaten Sri Lanka in T20Is. The hosts will aim not just for victory, but for a dominant performance that sets the tone for their campaign. A big win here would boost confidence and send a clear message to other contenders that Sri Lanka remain a formidable force in T20 cricket. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.

SL vs IRE Head-to-Head

Matches Played: 3
SL won: 3
IRE won: 0
No Result: 0
Tied: 0
RECENT form SRI LANKA: AB W L L L
RECENT form IRELAND: W W L W W

Only three meetings have taken place between Sri Lanka and Ireland in T20I history. In all those collisions, Sri Lanka has emerged victorious. Their last T20I meeting took place in the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup in Australia, which saw Sri Lanka annihilate Ireland by 9 wickets.

Team Analysis: Sri Lanka and Ireland

How will the two teams, i.e., Sri Lanka and Ireland, fare in the 6th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026? Let’s take a look.

Sri Lanka (SL)

The hosts will go with a left-right combination at the top in Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara.
Kusal Mendis will bat at no. 3, followed by the likes of Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, and skipper Dasun Shanaka.
Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage will be the spin trio.
Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana will be the pace bowling duo.

Expected Starting 11

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (WK), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana

Ireland (IRE)

The Irish side will be opening with Ross Adair and skipper Paul Stirling.
Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher and Benjamin Calitz will form the rest of the batting order.
George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, and Curtis Campher will be among the all-rounders to start in the eleven.
Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, and Matthew Humphreys will complete the bowling line up.

Expected Starting 11

Paul Stirling (C), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys

Weather Conditions and Pitch Report

Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 6th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 between Sri Lanka and Ireland at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo:

Pitch Report	Weather Report
The Premadasa surface is traditionally slow and low, favoring spinners and bowlers who rely on variations.	Colombo weather is warm and humid, with temperatures around 29–31°C.
Batting can be tricky early, requiring patience and strike rotation rather than power hitting.	Cloud cover is expected, but rain chances remain minimal during match hours.
Spinners will play a decisive role, especially in the middle overs.	Humidity levels will be high, testing player fitness and stamina.
Pacers may struggle for pace but can succeed with cutters and slower balls.	Winds are light, unlikely to affect play significantly.
A par score here is usually around 150–160 runs, lower than at batting-friendly venues.	No major interruptions forecast, ensuring a full game.
Outfield is slightly sluggish, rewarding placement over brute force.	Dew is unlikely in a day game, keeping conditions consistent.

Toss Prediction

In Colombo’s slow and spin-friendly conditions, the toss will be vital. Both captains may prefer batting first to exploit the surface before it slows further. Sri Lanka could back their spinners to defend a total, while Ireland might lean towards chasing to ease scoreboard pressure.

Where to Watch Today’s Match

The online live streaming of the 6th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this World Cup will take place on Star Sports Network channels.

SL vs IRE: Today’s Match Predictions

Playing their first game of the home World Cup. Sri Lanka will start as the outright favorites. They have never been beaten by Ireland in any form of cricket and will look to maintain the same. Ireland, on the other hand, will look to give a good fight to the Lankans, but the depth and variety in Sri Lanka’s spin attack will prove too much for the Irishmen. Therefore, as per our prediction, Sri Lanka is expected to win the SL vs IRE, 6th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

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