Match Summary
Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets
Australia: 181 all out (20 overs)
Sri Lanka: 184/2 (18 overs)
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Match: AUS vs SL, 30th Match, Group B – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka delivered a dominant performance to defeat Australia by eight wickets in a high-scoring Group B clash at Pallekele. A stunning unbeaten century from Pathum Nissanka and a disciplined bowling display from Dushan Hemantha powered the hosts to a memorable win.
Australia Post 181 Despite Strong Start
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Australia got off to a flying start. Captain Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head put together a brilliant 104-run opening partnership in just 8.3 overs.
- Mitchell Marsh: 54 (27 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes)
- Travis Head: 56 (29 balls, 7 fours, 3 sixes)
The pair dominated the powerplay, scoring 70 runs in the first six overs. However, Sri Lanka fought back strongly through their spin attack.
Dushan Hemantha was the standout bowler, claiming 3 crucial wickets including Marsh, Head, and Maxwell. Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis chipped in with key breakthroughs, while Dushmantha Chameera picked up two wickets at the death.
Australia collapsed from 160/4 to 181 all out, losing six wickets for just 21 runs in the final overs.
Top Sri Lanka Bowlers:
- Dushan Hemantha: 3/37
- Dushmantha Chameera: 2/36
- Dunith Wellalage: 1/33
Pathum Nissanka’s Match-Winning Century
Chasing 182, Sri Lanka started cautiously after losing Kusal Perera early for just 1 run. But Pathum Nissanka anchored the innings brilliantly.
Nissanka smashed an unbeaten 100 off 52 balls, including 10 fours and 5 sixes, at a strike rate of 192.31. His aggressive yet controlled innings ensured Sri Lanka stayed ahead of the required rate throughout the chase.
Kusal Mendis provided strong support with 51 off 38 balls, building a 97-run partnership with Nissanka for the second wicket.
After Mendis departed at 105/2, Pavan Rathnayake finished the game in style with 28* off 15 balls. Sri Lanka chased down the target comfortably in just 18 overs at a run rate of 10.22.
Top Sri Lanka Batters:
- Pathum Nissanka: 100* (52)
- Kusal Mendis: 51 (38)
- Pavan Rathnayake: 28* (15)
Where Australia Fell Short
Australia’s bowling attack struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batters. Marcus Stoinis picked up two wickets but conceded 46 runs in four overs. Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis were expensive, failing to apply pressure in the middle overs.
The lack of breakthroughs during the Nissanka–Mendis partnership proved costly, as Sri Lanka maintained control of the chase from start to finish.
Turning Point of the Match
The turning point came when Dushan Hemantha dismissed both Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh in quick succession, slowing Australia’s momentum. Later, Pathum Nissanka’s acceleration between overs 7 to 12 completely shifted the game in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Match Highlights
- 104-run opening stand by Marsh and Head
- Dushan Hemantha’s 3-wicket spell
- Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten century
- Sri Lanka chased 182 with 12 balls to spare
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