After a dominant win over Oman, Mark Adair wants Ireland’s bowlers to kick on and secure another statement victory

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After a record-breaking performance in Colombo and a winding five-hour bus journey through Sri Lanka’s hill country, Ireland have arrived in Kandy with one clear aim: to build on the momentum of their emphatic win over Oman.

Ireland’s first training session in Kandy was marked by calm focus rather than celebration. While the long journey left a few players feeling the effects, seamer Mark Adair said the squad was eager to get started on what he believes is the best playing surface in the country.

“The wicket looks pretty good by all accounts,” Adair said on Monday. “Kandy’s probably the best cricket wicket in Sri Lanka, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Silencing the noise around “Associate” status

Ireland head into their clash against Zimbabwe after a batting display that not only delivered vital points, but also reinforced belief within the group. For Adair, the significance went beyond the scoreboard.

“We get called an Associate every other day by someone,” he said. “There always feels like a need to justify ourselves. I personally don’t think that’s the case, but strong performances against big teams help. The last game showed us we’ve got what it takes.”

Against Oman, Ireland posted the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history, powered by assured leadership from stand-in captain Lorcan Tucker and a destructive finish from George Dockrell. However, Adair was quick to shift the spotlight forward, placing responsibility on the bowling unit.

“It was a record-breaking game all around for us,” he said. “It’s great to see lads come in and dominate, but now it’s probably down to the bowlers to kick on and really try to cement a good win.”

Josh Little’s return boosts Ireland’s attack

A major positive for Ireland is the return of Josh Little, who claimed 3 for 16 against Oman. Beyond the figures, Adair highlighted Little’s big-match experience as a key asset.

“I love having Josh in the team,” Adair said. “He brings experience. Playing in big moments, like an IPL final, gives you that extra calm in clutch situations.”

Familiar foes, no surprises

Tuesday’s encounter with Zimbabwe is expected to be decided by execution rather than tactics. The two sides know each other well, having faced off 16 times in T20 internationals — with Ireland only having played Afghanistan more often.

Adair singled out Zimbabwe’s pace attack, led by Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, as one of the strongest in the competition.

“They’re probably as good a bowling lineup as you’ll find in this tournament,” Adair said. “We’ve played them a lot. We’ve seen these guys before. There should be no surprises.”

High stakes, close-knit support

Defeat would confirm Ireland’s elimination, while victory would keep their slim qualification hopes alive. Despite the pressure, the squad has drawn energy from a strong presence of friends and family in the stands.

“There are a few parents leading the charge,” Adair joked. “I’d be lying if I said my parents weren’t involved. But it’s brilliant — we’re a close-knit group, and it’s great that all the families get on so well.”

Celebrations, however, have been kept firmly in check. With matches coming thick and fast and long travel days in between, recovery has taken priority.

“No one wants to be dealing with a hangover on a five-hour bus ride through the mountains,” Adair said with a smile.

As Ireland prepare for another must-win encounter, their message is clear: performances, not labels, will define who they are.