T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka dominate in nine-wicket win over Ireland

In the opening match of the T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka defeated Ireland by nine runs.

The victory was secured with five overs to spare.

One of only three players to reach double figures was Harry Tector, who hit 45 off 42 for the top score.

Theekshana and Hasaranga took 2-19 and 2-25 respectively.

New Zealand leads the group with two points, followed by England with one point and Sri Lanka with one point.

"I'm happy about the way we played the game, we wanted to play as a team and everyone contributed," said Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka

spinners will be a big part of the game. This tactic was used in the game and we are looking forward to using it again.

Mendis has played according to the situation most of the time. That's high class batting and the consistency we need.

On Tuesday, the champion will travel to Perth to play Australia. Ireland will play England the next day.

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Ireland slump to disappointing defeat

This was a sobering reality check for Ireland, who went into this game full of confidence after demolishing the West Indies by nine runs.

The captain chose to bat first after winning the toss and his team never got going.

They were reduced to 26-2 inside five overs, with Theekshana and Lahiru Kumara each taking a single.

The dangerous Paul Stirling, dropped by Kumara on 28, added just six more runs before he was caught off the bowling of Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Ireland was in deep trouble at 60-4.

Disciplined bowling in the middle overs made Ireland struggle for boundaries.

They only hit two sixes in the entire game and only scored 28 runs in the last five overs for a loss.

Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie said that they were short of what they wanted.

As a batting group, we back ourselves to bat first or second and in the next game, we will look to put up a better fight.

After the powerplay, the result was never in question.

De Silva's dismissal for 31 thanks to a sharp take by Tucker failed to halt their momentum, with Charith Asalanka adding 31 from 22 deliveries before Mendis sealed the win.

Ireland will face England for the first time since winning the 50-over World Cup in 2011.