A solid century from Pathum Nissanka powered Sri Lanka’s dominating win against Australia in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash at Pallekele.
The co-hosts secured a thumping 8-wicket victory against Australia and retained their top spot on the Group B T20 World Cup 2026 points table.
After invited to bat first, Australia openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head made a solid start scoring 70 runs int he powerplay.
They both went on to score fifties adding 104 runs to scoreboard for the 1st wicket. Dushan Hemantha bagged the first breakthrough dismissed Travis Head for 56 runs.
Cameron Green who came to bat, got dismissed cheaply for 3 runs by Dunith Wellalage. Soon Mitchell Marsh got dismissed on Dushan Hemantha’s delivery and with Mendis dismissing Tim David for 6 runs, Australia lost four quick wickets between 104 and 130 runs.
Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell did add some runs in the middle. Inglis added 27 while Maxwell added 22 runs.
Dushamantha Chameera broke the partnership sending off Maxwell for 22 runs. With his dismissal Australia lost back to back wickets as they scored 181 runs in 20 over innings.
There was no stopping Pathum Nissanka today in the chase 🔥
His brilliant unbeaten 100 from 52 balls wins him the @aramco POTM 🏅 pic.twitter.com/D72rwRj30B
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) February 16, 2026
Dushan Hemantha bagged three wickets whil Dushmanthan Chameera bagged two wickets while Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis picked one wicket each.
Chasing 182 run target, Sri Lanka openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera opened the innings while Xavier Bartlett opened the bowling attack.
Despite Kusal Perera’s early dismissal, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis made a stunning partnership adding up 97 run partnership for second wicket.
with both the batters smashing fifties, Stoinis bought the breakthrough dismissing Kusal Mendis for 51 runs. Joining Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake made a cameo helping the side to secure a easy win. Pathum Nissanka made a stunning 100 in 52 deliveries which included 10 fours and five sixes.
By the end of 18th over, Sri Lanka comfortably completed the chase and secured a 8 wicket victory. Pathum Nissanka was named player of the match. Speaking in the post match presentation, he said, “He said the wicket was pretty good today and it allowed him to play his normal game. And he is happy that he was able to get a hundred and get the team home.”
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