Pathum Nissanka headlined Sri Lanka’s win over Australia on Monday as the island nation marched into the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup 2026. Sri Lanka registered an eight-wicket win and shut doors on Australia’s dream to progress to the next stage.
Chasing 182, Nissanka slammed a brilliant hundred off 52 balls as Sri Lanka achieved their highest-ever run-chase at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Reflecting on his knock, Nissanka said he was thrilled to carry his team home with a match-winning century.
“The wicket played really well, which allowed me to play my natural game. I am very happy to get a hundred and take my team home.” he said.
“We needed a good powerplay. Me and Kusal Mendis had a really good partnership in the middle, and from there it was just to continue my innings and take my team over the line,” he also said.
Speaking on the conditions while he was batting in the middle, he added: “Usually it’s a bit easier batting second here in Pallekele, and the wicket seemed to get better as the game progressed.”
Speaking on his form and approach while chasing the big target, Nissanka said: “Well, I was just waiting for the balls to come in my zone. I was happy that I got several balls which came into my strengths and I was able to put them away to the fence.”
Sri Lanka lost Kusal Perera early but Nissanka and Kusal Mendis kept the tempo of the innings going as the team reached 61 for 1 in the powerplay, their third best against Australia in T20Is. Both batters put up a 87-run stand for the second wicket to put Sri Lanka on the course.
Earlier, batting first, Australia got off to a flying start with Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head putting up a 104-run opening partnership in 52 balls. Australia were 70 for 0 in the powerplay before Sri Lanka brought on the spinners to peg things back.
Dushan Hemantha struck by removing Head (56) and Marsh (54). Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis also chipped in, Hemantha finished with figures of 3 for 37 to restrict Australia under 200.
