Colombo, February 8 Kamindu Mendis' brilliant 44 off 19 balls and Kusal Mendis' unbeaten half-century propelled Sri Lanka to 163 for six after a slow start in their T20 World Cup match against Ireland here on Sunday.
Wicketkeeper Kusal scored 56 off 43 balls, with the help of five boundaries, and added 67 runs for the fifth wicket with Kamindu, who smashed four fours and two sixes, to revive Sri Lanka after they were struggling at 86 for four in the 14th over.
Sri Lanka also benefited from some dropped catches by the Irish fielders at the floodlit R Premadasa Stadium.
Ireland opted to field first, and the decision initially seemed to pay off as they dismissed Sri Lanka opener Kamil Mishara (14) and limited them to 28 runs in the first four overs.
Mishara, who was dropped once, failed to capitalize on the reprieve as Mark Adair dismissed him with a well-disguised slower delivery that the batter hit straight to mid-off.
Mishara looked solid during his brief 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 wickets after getting starts, disappointing the partisan home crowd.
Nissanka, one of the team's premier batters, raised hopes of a big knock when he hit a massive six over deep square off left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys.
Kusal Mendis collected three fours against Barry McCarthy (2/40 in 3 overs) in the sixth over to help Sri Lanka reach an impressive 50 for one at the end of the powerplay.
These boundaries prompted Ireland captain Paul Stirling to introduce the experienced left-arm spinner George Dockrell (2/17 in 4 overs) into the attack, and the experienced bowler conceded only four runs in his first over.
The decision to make Dockrell bowl in that phase of the innings was a good one, considering Nissanka's prolonged struggles against spin. It also brought the desired result quickly, as Dockrell deceived Nissanka with a slower delivery, forcing the batter to play a shot towards cover, which Stirling caught sharply.
Meanwhile, Mendis was struggling to accelerate, but he held on, even as Dockrell dismissed Pavan Rathnayake, who attempted a ramp shot on a delivery that was not meant for it. This shot selection was poor, and Sri Lanka slipped to 68 for three at the start of the 11th over.
Dockrell looked in total control as spinners dominated the Sri Lankan batters.
Gareth Delany (1/24 in 4 overs) dismissed Dunith Wellalage, who skied a tossed-up delivery outside off to the long-on fielder, leaving Sri Lanka in deep trouble.
However, Kamindu and Kusal revived the islanders with their partnership, playing attacking cricket.