An unbeaten Pathum Nissanka century and a fearless Sri Lankan spin attack crush Australia’s charge and power the Lions into the T20 World Cup Super Eights in front of a roaring Pallekele crowd.
Sri Lanka sealed their place in the 2026 T20 World Cup Super Eights with a commanding eight wicket victory over Australia, chasing down 182 with authority. Sri Lanka finished on 184 for 2 in 18 overs. Pathum Nissanka led the charge with 100 not out off 58 balls, while Kusal Mendis struck 51 off 36 balls. Earlier, Australia were bowled out for 181 after a blazing start.
Mitchell Marsh 54 off 31 balls and Travis Head 56 off 35 balls tore into the Sri Lankan attack, powering Australia to 104 inside the first 50 legal deliveries. At that stage, Sri Lanka were under immense pressure, especially after Matheesha Pathirana limped off with a calf injury in his first over.
However, the Sri Lankan spinners turned the contest on its head. Dushan Hemantha was outstanding with 3 for 37 in 4 overs at an economy of 9.25. Dunith Wellalage applied pressure through the middle overs, while Maheesh Theekshana recovered from an expensive start to finish with control at the death. Dushmantha Chameera delivered crucial late strikes, returning 2 for 36 in 4 overs at 9.00 economy, including a superb final over that conceded just four runs and removed Marcus Stoinis.
Australia collapsed from 104 without loss to 181 all out, losing 10 wickets for 77 runs in the final 70 deliveries. Josh Inglis made 27 off 21 balls, but the finishing kick never arrived. Adam Zampa, expected to dominate, went wicketless for 41 in 4 overs.
Hemantha’s breakthrough came when he lured Head into a mistimed shot, caught at long off. Cameron Green struggled again, scoring 3 off 7 before falling to Wellalage. Marsh was undone by Hemantha’s fuller length. Kamindu Mendis chipped in with the key wicket of Tim David. A spectacular leaping catch by Nissanka to dismiss Glenn Maxwell highlighted Sri Lanka’s sharp fielding effort.
Chasing 182 in a high stakes T20 World Cup clash, Sri Lanka began aggressively. Although Kusal Perera fell early to Stoinis, Nissanka attacked with freedom. Sri Lanka posted 61 in the powerplay, with Nissanka racing to 38 off 20 balls.
Nissanka and Kusal Mendis built the backbone of the chase. Mendis reached his fifty first, striking four boundaries in two overs of spin. At one stage, Sri Lanka needed 77 off 47 balls after Mendis fell to Stoinis.
From there, Nissanka took complete control. He combined power and placement, dismantling Stoinis and Zampa. A lofted straight drive and a fierce pull shot ignited the Pallekele crowd. When Sri Lanka required 41 off the final five overs, Nissanka accelerated further. He smashed Nathan Ellis for two sixes and took 15 runs off Zampa in the 18th over to seal the match with two overs to spare.
The innings was a statement knock in global T20 cricket. Nissanka 100 not out off 58 balls anchored the chase with precision and authority.
Sri Lanka’s clinical spin bowling, disciplined death overs, sharp fielding and a match winning century now leave Australia needing a miracle to progress. For the hosts, this was more than a victory. It was a declaration that they are serious contenders in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights stage.
