Dasun Shanaka fell for a golden duck during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group B clash between Sri Lanka and Ireland at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.
The Sri Lankan captain was dismissed by Barry McCarthy when the Irish bowler delivered a high full toss around the middle. Dasun Shanaka attempted a big hit, aiming to send it to the leg side, but only managed a huge top edge. The ball soared into the air but landed near the short third man. Mark Adair caught it, albeit with some difficulty, taking it very close to the ground. The height of the delivery was also questioned, but the umpires confirmed it was legal, leading to Shanaka’s exit.
In fact, it was the 16th instance of Dasun Shanaka being dismissed for a duck — the most
in T20Is, leaving behind Rwanda’s Zappy Bimenyimana, who had 15.
Most Ducks In T20Is
| Ducks | Player | Innings |
| 16 | Dasun Shanaka | 113 |
| 15 | Zappy Bimenyimana | 62 |
| 14 | Paul Stirling | 158 |
Mendis’ Fifties Salvage Sri Lanka
Kamindu Mendis’ explosive 19-ball 44 and Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten half-century propelled Sri Lanka to 163 /6 after a slow start.
Wicketkeeper Kusal scored 56 off 43 balls, hitting five boundaries and sharing a crucial 67-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Kamindu, who struck four fours and two sixes. This partnership revived Sri Lanka from a precarious 86 for four in the 14th over.
The Irish fielders let several chances slip under the floodlights at the R Premadasa Stadium, aiding Sri Lanka’s recovery.
Ireland’s decision to field first seemed effective early on as they dismissed Sri Lanka opener Kamil Mishara (14), restricting them to 28 runs in the first four overs. Mishara, dropped once, was eventually out to Mark Adair’s clever slower ball, hitting it straight to mid-off.
Pathum Nissanka, who showed promise with a 23-ball 24 and a huge six off Matthew Humphreys, also fell after getting a start. This left the home crowd disappointed.
Kusal Mendis hit three boundaries against Barry McCarthy (2/40 in 3 overs) in the sixth over, helping Sri Lanka to a solid 50 for one at the end of the power play. To counter this, Ireland captain Paul Stirling introduced George Dockrell (2/17 in 4 overs), whose spin troubled Nissanka, leading to his dismissal.
Mendis found it tough to accelerate but persevered as Dockrell struck again, removing Pavan Rathnayake with a well-disguised delivery. Sri Lanka were then in a tight spot at 68 for three at the start of the 11th over.
Gareth Delany (1/24 in 4 overs) also contributed by removing Dunith Wellalage, who mistimed a shot to long-on. Despite these setbacks, Kamindu and Kusal’s aggressive batting lifted Sri Lanka to a competitive total.
(With inputs from Agencies)
