Ireland suffered a disappointing 20-run defeat to co-hosts Sri Lanka in their opening T20 World Cup Group B match in Colombo. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Ireland's bowlers made a strong start, restricting Sri Lanka to 71-3 by the 11th over. George Dockrell claimed two wickets for 17 runs, but Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with an unbeaten 56 off 43 balls, including five fours.

Sri Lanka capitalized on dropped catches during a costly 17th over from Matthew Humphreys, who conceded 21 runs. Barry McCarthy took two wickets in two balls late in the innings, dismissing Kamindu Mendis for 44 off 19 balls and captain Dasun Shanaka for a golden duck. The co-hosts posted 163-6, setting Ireland a challenging target.

Ireland's chase began poorly with captain Paul Stirling dismissed for six in the fourth over. Ross Adair's determined 34 and Harry Tector's 40 kept them in contention at 104-2 after 14 overs, needing 60 from the final six. However, Sri Lanka's bowlers fought back with regular breakthroughs. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana each claimed three wickets as Ireland lost their last eight wickets for just 38 runs, finishing all out for 143 with one ball remaining.

Ireland captain Stirling acknowledged his team let the match slip at crucial moments, citing sloppy fielding and a lack of clinical execution under pressure. The loss leaves Ireland with work to do in Group B, with their next match against Australia on Wednesday.

Quick Fact: Ireland lost their opening T20 World Cup Group B match to Sri Lanka by 20 runs in Colombo.