SL vs IRE Dream11 Prediction, T20 World Cup: Playing XI, Fantasy Winning Team & Pitch Report

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup action moves to Colombo as the hosts, Sri Lanka, prepare to face a resilient Ireland side. This encounter at the R.Premadasa Stadium is crucial for both teams. With Wanindu Hasaranga leading the spin attack and Harry Tector in sensational batting form, this match offers plenty of tactical depth for fantasy managers. The conditions in Colombo are expected to be tricky, making your team selection vital for Mega Leagues.

Match Details

• Match: SL vs IRE, ICC Men's T20 World Cup
• Date: 08 Feb 2026
• Time: 07:00 PM IST (19:00 Local Time)
• Venue: R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Live Streaming & Broadcast Details

• Digital Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar and ICC.tv
• TV Channels: Star Sports Network (India)

Fans can check the country-wise official live streaming and TV broadcast details for this match.
To know where you can watch live streaming in your country, visit this complete guide:
ICC Men’s World Cup 2026 Live Streaming Channels – Country-wise Guide

Weather Report

Colombo is expected to be humid with temperatures hovering around 27°C. The dew factor is often significant in evening matches here, which could aid the team batting second. There is a low probability of rain, but overcast conditions might help swing bowlers early on.

Pitch Report & Venue Stats

The surface at the R.Premadasa Stadium is historically slow and low, heavily favoring spin bowlers. The average score in the last 5 matches is just 131 runs, indicating that a high scoring thriller is unlikely.

• Spinner Wickets (L5): 24
• Pacer Wickets (L5): 31

Fantasy Takeaway: Prioritize spinners and all rounders who bowl slow variations. Batters who can play spin well are essential, while pure power hitters might struggle.

Team Form & Head to-Head

Sri Lanka (SL)

• Last 5 Matches: L, L, L, W, L
• Recent Form: The hosts have struggled recently, losing a series against England and Pakistan. However, they have a strong home advantage.
• H2H: Sri Lanka leads the head to-head record with 2 wins.

Ireland (IRE)

• Last 5 Matches: W, W, L, W, W
• Recent Form: Ireland is in excellent form, winning 4 of their last 5 games, including strong performances against UAE and Italy.
• H2H: Ireland is yet to secure a win against Sri Lanka in this format.

Injury Updates & Player Availability

• Sri Lanka: No major injury concerns reported. The squad looks fully fit.
• Ireland: The team is fully fit and likely to stick to their winning combination.

Probable Playing XI

Sri Lanka

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka

Ireland

Paul Stirling, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Josh Little, Ben White

Key Players to Watch

• Wanindu Hasaranga: The Sri Lankan captain is a menace on these turning tracks. He picked up 4 wickets in a recent game against Pakistan and is a top captaincy candidate.
• Harry Tector: He is in the form of his life, scoring 174 runs in his last 5 matches, including a massive 96 runs inning. He is a reliable anchor for your fantasy contests.
• Curtis Campher: An excellent all rounder who provides balance. He has scored 114 runs and taken a wicket in his last 5 outings, making him a safe pick.
• Mark Adair: With 7 wickets in his last 5 matches, he is Ireland's strike bowler. His ability to pick wickets at the death adds immense fantasy value.
• Kusal Mendis: Despite recent team struggles, he remains a key batter at the top. He scored 37 runs and 26 runs in recent outings against England.

Fantasy Picks

Small League Safe Picks

• Wanindu Hasaranga
• Harry Tector
• Curtis Campher
• Pathum Nissanka

Mega League Differential Picks

• Maheesh Theekshana: On a turning Colombo track, his mystery spin can destroy lineups. He is often under selected but has high potential.
• Gareth Delany: He has taken 8 wickets in his last 5 matches. If the top order collapses, his all round skills come into play.

Match Prediction / Outlook

While Ireland is in better recent form, the conditions at R.Premadasa Stadium heavily favor the home side. Sri Lanka's superior spin attack gives them the edge in this T20 World Cup fixture.

Disclaimer

This analysis is based on research and current form. Always check the Final Playing XI and Toss updates before locking your fantasy team. Play responsibly.