Colombo, Feb 8 Sri Lanka, the tournament co-hosts, delivered a strong performance to begin their campaign in the T20 World Cup with a 20-run victory over Ireland on Sunday.
Despite being asked to bat first, Kamindu Mendis's impressive 44 off 19 balls and Kusal Mendis' unbeaten half-century helped Sri Lanka reach 163 for six after a slow start.
Sri Lanka also benefited from some dropped catches by the Irish fielders at the floodlit R Premadasa Stadium.
Ireland were all out for 143 in 19.5 overs.
Ross Adair scored 34 off 23 balls, while Harry Tector made 40 off 34 deliveries.
Maheesh Theekshana (3/23 in 4 overs) and Wanindu Hasaranga (3/25 in 4 overs) were outstanding with the ball, playing crucial roles in Sri Lanka's victory.
In the chase, Ireland lost captain Paul Stirling (6) in the fourth over with just 24 runs on the board, but Ross Adair quickly put on 29 off 16 balls, helping his team reach 45 for one after the powerplay.
Stirling was dropped by Kusal Mendis on 1, but he failed to capitalize on the opportunity and was dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana with a well-disguised yorker.
Sri Lanka then got a significant wicket when Wanindu Hasaranga bowled Ross Adair with a perfect googly, the experienced leg-spinner taking the first wicket of his over.
Harry Tector continued to bat well, helping Ireland reach 72 for two at the halfway stage, needing another 92 runs in 60 balls.
However, Hasaranga struck again in the 16th over, dismissing Tector.
Ireland's innings then fell apart as they lost wickets in quick succession and were eventually bowled out.
Earlier, wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis scored 56 off 43 balls, supported by five boundaries, and added 67 runs for the fifth wicket with Kamindu, who smashed four fours and two sixes, helping Sri Lanka recover from a shaky start at 86 for four in the 14th over.
Ireland opted to field first, and the decision initially paid off as they dismissed Sri Lanka opener Kamil Mishara (14) while limiting them to 28 runs in the first four overs.
Mishara, who had been dropped once, failed to capitalize on the reprieve as Mark Adair removed him with a well-disguised slower delivery, which the batter hit straight to mid-off.
Mishara had a solid 11-ball knock, and so did his opening partner Pathum Nissanka, who was dismissed after making 24 off 23 balls, both batters throwing away their opportunities after getting starts, disappointing the home crowd.
Nissanka, one of the team's key batters, raised hopes of a big score when he hit a massive six off left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys.
Kusal Mendis then added three fours against Barry McCarthy (2/40 in 3 overs) in the sixth over, helping Sri Lanka reach an impressive 50 for one at the end of the powerplay.
Those boundaries prompted Ireland captain Paul Stirling to bring in experienced left-arm spinner George Dockrell (2/17 in 4 overs) into the attack, and the seasoned bowler conceded only four runs in his first over.
This move was a good one considering Nissanka's struggles against spin. It also quickly delivered the desired result, as Dockrell foxed Nissanka with a slower ball, forcing the batter to play a shot towards cover for Stirling to take a sharp catch.
Meanwhile, Mendis struggled to maintain the pace, but he managed to stay in, even as Dockrell struck again by dismissing Pavan Rathnayake, who attempted a ramp shot on a delivery that wasn't meant for it. This poor shot selection left Sri Lanka at 68 for three at the start of the 11th over.
Dockrell continued to dominate, as spinners successfully bowled the Sri Lankan batters.
Gareth Delany (1/24 in 4 overs) had Dunith Wellalage caught as the batter skyed a tossed-up delivery outside off to the long-on fielder, putting Sri Lanka in a difficult situation.
However, Kamindu and Kusal then lifted the islanders with their partnership, playing attacking cricket.