Skipper Shanaka Urges Sri Lanka to Reset Focus Ahead of T20 World Cup Opener Against Ireland

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka on Saturday said his team is fully focused on performing well at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, despite entering the tournament on the back of a difficult home season that included a 0-3 T20I series defeat to England.

Co-hosts Sri Lanka begin their World Cup campaign today against Ireland at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

The Dasun Shanaka-led side has been placed in Group B alongside Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman.

Ahead of the opener, Shanaka acknowledged the recent setbacks but stressed that the team’s attention is firmly on the bigger challenge ahead.

“I think even though we lost that series 0-3, we had a chance to win the second match. But I wasn’t really satisfied with the result. In the other two matches, we competed well. But I know that saying we competed is not an excuse. So, when it comes to this tournament, all the players are in good physical condition. Most of them had several niggles earlier, and we know those things shouldn’t be repeated here,” Shanaka said as quoted by the ICC website.

Co-hosts Under Pressure as Home Advantage Fails to Assure Comfort

Sri Lanka had also lost a 2-1 ODI series to England prior to the T20Is, adding to concerns about form and confidence.

Shanaka, however, underlined the importance of the World Cup being played at home and the need to start strongly.

“What’s more important is understanding the importance of this tournament and playing well, because everyone has the goal of performing better. This is a World Cup being played in our country. So, I think the first match against Ireland is very important to build that momentum going forward. All the players are hopeful of playing well. I think we will give a good performance tomorrow,” he added.

There was a time when Sri Lanka were among the most consistent sides in T20 internationals. Between 2009 and 2014, they reached the semi-finals of four successive T20 World Cups. Since then, however, they have failed to qualify for the knockouts even once.

While Sri Lanka are co-hosts this time, home advantage may not necessarily work in their favour.

Slow Pitches, Poor Record and Low Confidence Test Sri Lanka at Home

Shanaka has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with local pitches, which he feels are too slow for T20 cricket.

At the R Premadasa Stadium, where Sri Lanka will also face Zimbabwe later in the group stage, their T20I record stands at eight wins and 24 losses, the worst among their four home venues. The recent 3-0 sweep by England at home has further dented confidence.

That context raises the question of whether Ireland can capitalise on Sri Lanka’s vulnerabilities. Ireland endured a disappointing 2024 T20 World Cup, failing to win a single match.

This time, however, they arrive after winning two series against Italy and the UAE in Dubai, conditions that may not be too different from what they will encounter in Sri Lanka.

For Ireland to qualify for the Super Eights, they will need to defeat at least one of Sri Lanka or Australia.

Key batters under the spotlight as Sri Lanka and Ireland chase early momentum

Much will depend on the form of key players on both sides. For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka remains their leading run-getter in T20Is.

While his career strike rate stands at 127.25, his recent numbers tell a different story. Since the start of 2025, Nissanka has scored 717 runs at a strike rate of 147.22, including his maiden T20I century, a 107 off 58 balls against India in the Asia Cup.

Sri Lanka will be hoping for strong starts from him throughout the tournament.

Ireland, meanwhile, look to their captain Paul Stirling for inspiration. Stirling is his team’s leading run-scorer in T20Is but has struggled for form in recent times.

Since 2025, he has managed only 233 runs in 14 matches, averaging 19.41 with a strike rate of 133.14 and a highest score of 45.

Whether he can rediscover his touch and lead from the front could play a key role in Ireland’s campaign.

As Sri Lanka and Ireland prepare to kick off their Group B journeys in Colombo, both sides carry questions and expectations.

For the hosts, the opening match represents a chance to reset and build momentum in a home World Cup. For Ireland, it is an opportunity to test a former powerhouse and keep their Super Eights hopes alive.

(With inputs from ANI)