Sri Lanka, Feb. 8 -- Co-host Sri Lanka will take on Ireland in their Group B encounter of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo today(08), with the match scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

Sri Lanka enter the contest seeking a strong start after a disappointing home series defeat against England, where they were comprehensively beaten 3-0.

Playing in Colombo is expected to favour the home side, with conditions likely to assist spin bowlers. Sri Lanka's spin duo Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are expected to play a key role on a surface traditionally conducive to turn.

However, Sri Lanka have already suffered a setback ahead of the tournament, with fast bowler Eshan Malinga rul...