Nissanka hits century while spinners choke Australian batting lineup
Sri Lanka has officially booked their spot in the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup 2026, delivering a crushing defeat to the Aussies on home soil. In a match that thrilled the capacity crowd at Pallekele, Sri Lanka beat Australia by eight wickets, leaving the visitors relying on a mathematical miracle to stay in the tournament.
The hero of the night was undoubtedly Pathum Nissanka. The stylish opener played the innings of a lifetime, scoring an unbeaten 100 to guide his team home. Chasing a competitive target of 181 runs, Sri Lanka reached the mark with two overs to spare, finishing at 184 for 2. Kusal Mendis provided excellent support with a steady 51 not out, as the duo dismantled the Australian bowling attack.
Earlier in the evening, things looked dangerous for the hosts. Australian captain Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head launched a brutal assault, taking the score to 104 inside the first nine overs. It seemed like the Australians were set for a massive total, especially after Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana left the field with a calf injury in his very first over.
However, the game turned on its head thanks to the Sri Lankan spinners. Dushan Hemantha was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 for 37. Along with disciplined bowling from Maheesh Theekshana and death-over specialist Dushmantha Chameera, the hosts triggered a collapse. Australia lost 10 wickets for just 77 runs in the latter half of their innings, crumbling to 181 all out.
Key moments included a spectacular catch by Nissanka to dismiss Glenn Maxwell, redeeming himself for an earlier drop. Meanwhile, Australia’s star spinner Adam Zampa had a forgettable outing, failing to take a wicket and conceding 41 runs.
With this victory, Sri Lanka moves forward with confidence, while Australia faces a nervous wait, their World Cup dreams hanging by a thread.
Image Source: ESPN / ICC
