Co-host **Sri Lanka** performed brilliantly to defeat **Oman** by 105 runs in the 16th match of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Group B. The match was played on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Oman captain Jatinder Singh won the toss and decided to field. Sri Lanka overcame early difficulties—losing the wickets of Kamil Mishra (8) and Pathum Nissanka (13) in the powerplay—to post a strong score of 225/5 in 20 overs, the highest total of the tournament and the fourth highest in Men’s T20 World Cup history.
The partnership of 94 runs on 50 balls between **Kusal Mendis** (61 runs on 45 balls, scored quickly) and **Pawan Rathnayake** (60 runs on 28 balls, aggressive with the help of 8 fours and 1 six) changed the course of the innings. Captain **Dasun Shanaka** then scored an unbeaten 50 (5 sixes, 2 fours) off 19 balls—Sri Lanka’s fastest T20I fifty—to take the lead in the end. It also equals the fastest fifty by a captain in the history of the T20 World Cup.
Chasing a target of 226 runs, Oman’s innings quickly fell apart. **Dushmantha Chameera** took two wickets in the powerplay, dismissing Jatinder Singh (1) and Hammad Mirza (9). Despite **Mohammad Nadeem**’s explosive innings of 53 not out off 56 balls—the highest half-century in men’s T20 World Cup history at the age of 43 years and 161 days—Oman struggled against Sri Lanka’s spin attack. **Mahish Theekshana** (2/11 in 4 overs) and Chameera (2/19) capped the scoring as Oman finished on 120/9.
Sri Lanka, now with 4 points from 2 wins and an impressive net run rate of +3.125, top the Group B standings ahead of Australia. The win further strengthens their bid for Super 8 qualification, with the co-hosts showcasing tremendous batting power and disciplined bowling in their campaign.
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