Sri Lanka produced a commanding performance to beat Australia by eight wickets in their Group B match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The highlight was Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten century, the first of the tournament, as Sri Lanka chased down Australia’s 181 with 12 balls to spare and secured their place in the Super Eight stage in emphatic fashion.
Australia set a competitive total but lose grip
Australia posted a strong total of 181 all out after a belligerent start, powered by Mitchell Marsh (54) and Travis Head (56) who combined for a rapid 104-run opening partnership. However, momentum shifted as Sri Lanka’s bowlers struck in clusters, with Dushan Hemantha and Dushmantha Chameera among the key wicket-takers, helping restrict Australia below what proved to be a defendable total.
Nissanka leads the chase with authority
In reply, Sri Lanka’s response was led by a breathtaking innings from Pathum Nissanka. The opener finished 100 not out off 52 balls, striking five sixes and ten fours to take control of the chase and dismantle the Australian attack. Kusal Mendis provided strong support with a 51-run contribution, anchoring a partnership that effectively ended the contest before the back end of the innings. Pavan Rathnayake played a valuable cameo to see Sri Lanka home at 184 for 2 in 18 overs.
Super 8s secured and records set
Sri Lanka’s victory confirmed their qualification for the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup, a crucial step in their bid to reach the latter stages of the tournament. Nissanka’s century was not only the first of the 2026 event but also came in a high-pressure chase against a traditionally strong Australian side, making it one of the more significant individual performances of the group phase. Sri Lanka’s chase remains one of the highest successful run-chases at home in the competition’s history.
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Australia’s campaign hangs by a thread
For Australia, the defeat leaves their Super Eight hopes in serious jeopardy. With two consecutive losses in Group B, the 2021 champions now face a complex set of permutations to stay in contention. They must secure a convincing win in their remaining match and rely on other results falling in their favour, particularly a Zimbabwe loss, to keep alive their chances of progressing. An early exit from the tournament would mark a rare setback for one of cricket’s most consistent limited-overs sides.
What’s next
Sri Lanka advance with confidence and momentum, now focusing on their Super Eight fixtures where consistency and depth will be key to sustained success. Australia returns to regroup and prepare for must-win encounters, knowing there is little margin for error if they are to avoid a surprising early exit from the T20 World Cup. If Zimbabwe beats Ireland on Tuesday, the Kangaroos will be knocked out of the tournament.
