Nissanka’s 100 Leads Sri Lanka Past Australia
Nissanka’s 100 Leads Sri Lanka Past Australia
Last updated: February 17, 2026
In a dominant display at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka crushed defending champions Australia by 8 wickets in their crucial Group B clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on February 16, 2026. Opener Pathum Nissanka delivered a masterclass with an unbeaten 100 off 52 balls (10 fours, 5 sixes, SR 192.31), powering the co-hosts to chase down 182 with 12 balls to spare and secure their spot in the Super Eights while leaving Australia on the brink of elimination.
Sri Lanka remain unbeaten in Group B and advance confidently, while Australia’s fate now hinges on other results — specifically needing a Zimbabwe loss to Ireland to stay alive.
Australia’s Explosive Start Meets Sri Lankan Fightback
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to field first. Australia’s openers set the tone with a blistering 104-run stand in the powerplay:
- Mitchell Marsh smashed 54 off 27 balls.
- Travis Head blazed 56 off 29 balls.
The duo threatened a massive total, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers staged a stunning comeback. Spinners and pacers combined to claim the last 9 wickets for just 77 runs, bowling Australia out for 181 in 20 overs.
Standout performers:
- Dushan Hemantha took 3/37 to dismantle the middle order.
- Dushmantha Chameera claimed 2/36 in a tight spell.
The collapse highlighted vulnerabilities in Australia’s lineup beyond the top order.
Nissanka’s Century Seals Clinical Chase
Chasing 182, Sri Lanka’s reply was clinical and commanding. Pathum Nissanka anchored the innings with composure and aggression, reaching his ton in just 52 balls — the first century of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Key partnerships:
- Nissanka and Kusal Mendis (51 off 38) added 97 runs, laying a solid foundation.
- Pavan Rathnayake (28* off 15) provided explosive finishing.
Sri Lanka reached 184/2 in 18 overs, maintaining a run rate over 10. Nissanka’s innings blended brute power with finesse, including audacious shots that dismantled Australia’s attack. Earlier, he also took a stunning catch to dismiss Glenn Maxwell, adding to his all-round impact and earning him Player of the Match.
Match Key Stats – AUS vs SL, T20 World Cup 2026
- Australia: 181 all out (20 overs) – Head 56, Marsh 54; Hemantha 3/37, Chameera 2/36.
- Sri Lanka: 184/2 (18 overs) – Nissanka 100* (52), Mendis 51 (38).
- Result: Sri Lanka win by 8 wickets (12 balls remaining).
- Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy.
- Impact: Sri Lanka qualify for Super Eights; Australia face near-elimination.
This emphatic victory showcased Sri Lanka’s all-round strength on home soil and exposed Australia’s struggles in the middle overs. Nissanka’s heroics, including a contender for catch of the tournament, made it a memorable night for the Lions.
Catch the official AUS vs SL highlights on ICC’s YouTube, ESPNcricinfo, or other platforms for Nissanka’s fireworks, the Australian blitz, and key moments.
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