An unbeaten century by Pathum Nissanka, backed by disciplined spin bowling, powered Sri Lanka into the Super Eights of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, leaving Australia on the verge of elimination.
Sri Lanka chased down 182 with ease, finishing on 184 for 2 to win by eight wickets at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Nissanka remained unbeaten on 100, while Kusal Mendis supported him with a calm 51 not out.
Earlier, Australia looked set for a much bigger total after openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh raced to 104 without loss in just over eight overs. Head scored 56 and Marsh made 54, but Australia collapsed badly in the second half of their innings.
Sri Lanka’s spinners turned the game, taking six wickets as Australia lost 10 wickets for 77 runs and were bowled out for 181. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera played key roles in the slowdown. Australia’s lead spinner Adam Zampa went wicketless, conceding 41 runs..
Sri Lanka’s chase was clinical despite a slowing pitch. Nissanka mixed power with placement, bringing up his hundred from 52 balls and sealing victory with two overs to spare. Mendis ensured there were no late hiccups.
Australia were already under pressure after an earlier defeat to Zimbabwe and needed a win to control their qualification fate. Instead, Sri Lanka moved comfortably into the next round.
For Australia to qualify as the second team from the group, they now need Zimbabwe to lose both remaining matches against Ireland and Sri Lanka, and then defeat Oman, with net run rate likely deciding the outcome.
With key fast bowlers missing due to injury, Australia lacked bite, and Sri Lanka’s top order took full advantage to deliver one of the most decisive results of the tournament so far.
Comment
