AUS VS SL: Pathum Nissanka snatches victory from Australia, Sri Lanka enters Super-8 after winning the match; Kangaroos’ path became difficult
Sri Lanka vs Australia: T20 World Cup 2026 co-host Sri Lanka has entered the Super-8 round with a bang. In the important match played on 16 February in Pallekele, Sri Lanka defeated former champion Australia by 8 wickets. The hero of this victory was opener Pathum Nissanka, who scored an explosive century and took the team to the target of 182 runs in just 18 overs. Nissanka became the first batsman to score a century in this tournament and led the team to victory by remaining unbeaten till the end.
Australia got second defeat
Before the match, Sri Lanka was on top of the points table with two consecutive wins, while for Australia it was like do or die. After the shocking defeat by Zimbabwe, Australia was in dire need of a win. The team got a strong start with the return of captain Mitchell Marsh. Marsh and Travis Head batted aggressively and added 104 runs in just 8.3 overs. Both scored quick half-centuries and it seemed that Australia would score big.
Australian innings faltered after a stormy start
However, the Australian innings faltered as soon as the first wicket fell. Four wickets fell in the next four overs and the course of the match changed. Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell were trying to maintain the partnership, but Nissanka broke the pair by taking a brilliant catch. After this, Australia lost its last five wickets in just 21 runs and the entire team was reduced to 181 runs. For Sri Lanka, Dushan Hemantha took three wickets and Dushmantha Chameera took two wickets.
Nissanka and Kusal Mendis led Sri Lanka to victory
Sri Lanka’s chase of the target did not have a good start and Kusal Perera was out early. But after this Nissanka and Kusal Mendis took over the innings. Both of them put pressure on the Australian bowlers and scored runs quickly. Mendis scored his third consecutive half-century, while Nissanka also completed his half-century. Marcus Stoinis gave Australia hope by dismissing Mendis in the 13th over, but by then it was too late.
Nissanka was in full rhythm and continued his aggressive style. By taking one run in the 18th over, he completed his century in 52 balls and gave the team a memorable victory. Along with him, Pawan Ratnayake contributed 28 unbeaten runs.
Super-8: Australia out, Sri Lanka in
With this victory, Sri Lanka has reached Super-8. Whereas Australia is in third place with two points and is on the verge of being eliminated. Now Zimbabwe has a chance to oust Australia from the tournament. If Zimbabwe beats Ireland, they will also advance to the next round and Australia’s hopes will end.
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