Sri Lanka produced one of their most complete performances of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 when they outplayed Australia by eight wickets in their Group B fixture against Australia here at Pallekele to qualify for the Super Eights. Chasing a challenging target of 182, the hosts romped home with 12 balls to spare, powered by a magnificent century from Pathum Nissanka, a composed half-century from Kusal Mendis, and a decisive three-wicket burst from Dushan Hemantha that checked Australia’s momentum earlier in the evening.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to field, a decision that initially appeared risky as Australia national cricket team exploded out of the blocks. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head tore into the bowling during a blistering powerplay, racing past 100 inside nine overs. Marsh’s 54 off just 27 balls and Head’s equally destructive 56 from 29 deliveries threatened to push the contest beyond Sri Lanka’s reach.
Just when Australia looked set for a total well in excess of 200, Hemantha turned the game on its head. Bowling with courage and clarity, he removed both set batters — Head caught in the deep and Marsh trapped lbw — breaking the spine of the Australian innings. He returned later to dismiss Glenn Maxwell, finishing with figures of 3 for 37, a spell that not only halted Australia’s charge but swung momentum decisively back towards the hosts. Supported by disciplined spells from Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana, Sri Lanka restricted Australia to 181 for 10, a total that suddenly felt chaseable on a good Pallekele surface.
What followed was a batting masterclass led by Nissanka. From the moment Kusal Perera fell early, Nissanka took complete control of the chase. Timing the ball sweetly and picking his moments to attack, he dismantled the Australian bowling with a blend of elegance and power. His unbeaten 100 off 52 balls, studded with 10 fours and five sixes, was a statement innings — calm under pressure yet utterly ruthless.
At the other end, Kusal Mendis provided the ideal foil. Rotating the strike efficiently and punishing loose deliveries, Mendis compiled a fluent 51 off 38 balls, ensuring the chase never lost direction. The pair added a match-defining stand of 97 for the second wicket, draining any lingering hope Australia had of a comeback.
Even after Mendis departed, there was no sign of panic. Nissanka remained ice-cool, while Pavan Rathnayake’s brisk 28 not out off 15 balls ensured Sri Lanka crossed the line comfortably in just 18 overs.
The emphatic victory not only underlined Sri Lanka’s growing confidence in the tournament but also sent a clear message to the rest of the field. On a night illuminated by a century of class, a half-century of composure, and a bowling spell of timely impact, Sri Lanka looked every inch a side peaking at exactly the right moment.
Chief Scores – 30th Match, Group B
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup – Pallekele | February 16, 2026
Australia national cricket team – 181 all out (20 overs)
Mitchell Marsh 54 (27)
Travis Head 56 (29)
Josh Inglis 27 (22)
Bowling (Sri Lanka):
Dushan Hemantha 3/37
Dushmantha Chameera 2/36
Maheesh Theekshana 1/37
Sri Lanka national cricket team – 184/2 (18 overs)
Pathum Nissanka 100* (52)
Kusal Mendis 51 (38)
Pavan Rathnayake 28* (15)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets (12 balls remaining)
