A blistering 19-ball half-century from Dasun Shanaka and a fearless assault from Pavan Rathnayake lit up Pallekele as Sri Lanka produced one of the most dominant displays of this T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka 225 for 5 in 20 overs. Highest scores: Kusal Mendis 61 (39), Pavan Rathnayake 60 (28), Dasun Shanaka 50 (19). Best bowling for Oman: Jiten Ramanandi 2 for 41 (4 overs, economy 10.25), Jay Odedra 1 for 34 (4 overs, economy 8.50).
Oman 120 for 9 in 20 overs. Highest score: Mohammad Nadeem 53 not out (41). Best bowling for Sri Lanka: Maheesh Theekshana 2 for 11 (4 overs, economy 2.75), Dushmantha Chameera 2 for 19 (4 overs, economy 4.75).
Sri Lanka’s powerful middle order produced a batting exhibition that completely overwhelmed Oman in Pallekele. In what became one of the most one-sided matches of the tournament, the hosts piled up 225 for 5, the highest total of this T20 World Cup and their second-highest score in T20 World Cup history.
Oman made an early breakthrough when Jay Odedra dismissed Kamil Mishara, but any hope of controlling the innings quickly faded. Pathum Nissanka departed in the sixth over, yet the run rate continued to climb. Kusal Mendis played the perfect anchor role, blending timing and placement with controlled aggression. His 61 off 39 balls ensured Sri Lanka never lost momentum through the middle overs.
The acceleration began in earnest after the powerplay. Oman briefly tightened things, but discipline slipped at crucial moments. Overstepping and loose deliveries allowed Sri Lanka to seize control. Pavan Rathnayake then took center stage. His explosive 60 off 28 balls dismantled the Omani attack, clearing the ropes with authority and punishing anything marginally short or full.
Dasun Shanaka’s entry turned the innings into carnage. After a measured start of seven runs from his first seven balls, he shifted gears dramatically. He smashed a six and a four to ignite his assault and raced to a 19-ball half-century, the fastest ever by a Sri Lankan in T20 Internationals. The final five overs yielded 79 runs, underlining Sri Lanka’s destructive finishing power. Oman’s Ramanandi, despite picking up two wickets, conceded heavily at over ten runs per over, while Nadeem Khan and Sufyan Mehmood struggled to contain the late onslaught.
Chasing 226 was always going to be a monumental task. Oman’s reply faltered immediately when Dushmantha Chameera removed Jatinder Singh with the first ball of the innings. The powerplay produced only 36 runs and three wickets, leaving Oman with little margin for recovery.
Maheesh Theekshana delivered a masterclass in control and variation. Introduced early, he trapped Aamir Kaleem first ball and conceded just three runs in his opening over. Across four overs, he returned remarkable figures of 2 for 11 at an economy of 2.75, the most economical spell of the tournament so far. His ability to choke the run flow ensured Oman never built momentum.
Chameera complemented him perfectly, claiming 2 for 19 at an economy of 4.75, consistently hitting hard lengths and generating pace that unsettled the batters. The rest of the bowling unit maintained pressure, forcing Oman into a defensive mindset rather than an attacking chase.
Mohammad Nadeem’s unbeaten 53 off 41 balls offered brief resistance and saw him become the oldest half-centurion in a men’s T20 World Cup. However, it remained a statistical footnote rather than a genuine threat to Sri Lanka’s dominance.
With this emphatic 105-run victory, Sri Lanka showcased batting depth, finishing power, and disciplined bowling. The performance not only strengthened their net run rate but also sent a strong message to the rest of the tournament that they remain serious contenders for T20 World Cup glory.
