Why Josh Little is Not Playing Today in SL vs IRE T20 World Cup 2026?

In the sixth match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Sri Lanka is facing Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Ireland captain Paul Stirling decided to invite the hosts to bat first in the game. The pitch is likely to favor the batters and the spinners, with the conditions expected to stay the same throughout the game.

Hence, it looked like a calculated decision from Paul Stirling. When it comes to the playing XI, left-arm quick Josh Little has been left out of the side for this upcoming encounter as Ireland went in with the specialist spinner in the form of Matthew Humphreys.

Why Josh Little is Not Playing Today Against Sri Lanka?

Ireland's star pacer, Josh Little, will not be seen in action in the SL vs IRE T20 World Cup 2026 as he has been dropped from the playing XI. He is not injured but his inconsistent form might be the prime reason behind his snub.

During the recent series against Italy just before the T20 World Cup 2026, Little went wicketless. At one point, he was considered as one of the best T20 bowlers and even played in the IPL. However, his form has dipped significantly over the last few months.

The Ireland team management have brought in Barry McCarthy as Josh Little replacement against Sri Lanka. McCarthy picked up 2-40 in his three overs that he bowled. The Irish team has decided to go with three spinners and two pacers for the game considering the conditions. Their playing XI has some experienced players like Stirling, Harry Tector, and George Dockrell who have played in ICC events earlier.

Will Josh Little Play in Next Match?

Josh Little is one of renowned names in Irish cricket. The left-arm fast bowler even picked up a famous hat-trick in the T20 World Cup 2022 against New Zealand. Overall, he has taken 82 wickets in 76 matches at an average of 25.88.

His capabilities of taking wickets at any stage of the game makes him a crucial player in this format. His experience of playing in some of the biggest cricket leagues in the world can help Ireland in the ongoing tournament.

With Sri Lanka and Australia the other teams in this group, Ireland have a tough task ahead of them to make it to the Super Eight stage. There are high chances that Josh Little makes it back to the playing 11 for the upcoming matches.

Ireland Playing 11 Against Sri Lanka

Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys