SL vs OFF: Pathum Nissanka produced a breathtaking display of batting at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 16, 2026, as Sri Lanka secured a place in the Super Eight stage by defeating Australia. Chasing a target of 182, the opening batter smashed an unbeaten 100 from 52 deliveries to lead his side to an emphatic eight-wicket victory with two overs remaining.
SL vs AUS: 3 Shots That Pathum Nissanka Hit That Stunned Australia:
Australia initially posted 181 runs after a blazing start from Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, yet their middle order collapsed against the local spinners in the SL vs AUS game. Sri Lanka chased the total with ease because Pathum Nissanka dominated the bowling attack from the very first over.
1. The Aggressive Reverse Sweep Against Cooper Connolly
Pathum Nissanka showed his intent early in the chase by executing a perfectly timed reverse sweep against the young spinner Cooper Connolly during the fifth over. While most batters would look to settle in against a new bowler, Pathum Nissanka dropped to one knee and sent the ball sailing over the short third man fence for a maximum.
This specific stroke shifted the pressure back onto the Australian fielders because it demonstrated that the opener would not allow the spinners to settle into a rhythm. Consequently, the Australian captain Mitchell Marsh, had to alter his field placements earlier than planned, which opened up more scoring opportunities through the traditional leg-side regions.
2. The Flat Six Over Point Off Nathan Ellis
During the 17th over, Nissanka faced Nathan Ellis and delivered one of the most technically challenging shots of the night by cutting a fast delivery flat over the point boundary. This shot stunned the spectators because Ellis bowled with significant pace, yet Nissanka used the speed of the ball to guide it over the rope with a short, punchy swing.
Many observers believe this strike broke the spirit of the Australian bowling unit as it brought the required run rate down to nearly a run a ball. By finding the boundary in such an unconventional area, he forced the bowlers to abandon their preferred lines and lengths.
3. The Nonchalant Flick Over Square Leg Against Marcus Stoinis
Perhaps the most visually stunning moment occurred when Nissanka faced Marcus Stoinis and flicked a length ball over the square leg fence with incredible ease. He merely leaned into the shot and used his wrists to generate enough elevation and distance to clear the ropes by several meters.
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This sixth maximum of the evening brought the home crowd to their feet and essentially guaranteed the result for the co-hosts. Since he maintained such composure while facing one of the more experienced Australian all-rounders, he proved his status as a premier top-order talent in this tournament.
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