The victory sealed Sri Lanka’s qualification for the next round, while Australia’s tournament fate now hangs by a thread following their second defeat in three matches.
Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka celebrates after scoring a century during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 match between Australia and Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Monday, February 16, 2026. (IANS/Biplab Banerjee)
The co-hosts of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 have finally announced themselves on the big stage, with Sri Lanka storming into the Super 8s after a dominant eight-wicket win over Australia in Pallekele on Monday.
The victory sealed Sri Lanka’s qualification for the next round, while Australia’s tournament fate now hangs by a thread following their second defeat in three matches.
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Australia posted 181 all out in their do-or-die Group B clash. Despite racing to 104/0 inside nine overs, the visitors suffered a dramatic collapse, losing all 10 wickets for just 77 runs.
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Travis Head (56 off 29) and Mitchell Marsh (54 off 27) laid a strong foundation with aggressive powerplay batting, but Sri Lanka clawed back through disciplined bowling. Dushan Hemantha (3/37) and Dushmantha Chameera (2/36) led the fightback as Australia’s innings unravelled late, including the loss of their final five wickets for just seven runs.
In reply, Pathum Nissanka produced a historic innings, smashing an unbeaten 100 off 52 balls to lead Sri Lanka to victory with 12 balls to spare. His century, only the second by a Sri Lankan batter in T20 World Cup history, underlined the hosts’ dominance and capped a flawless group-stage run. Sri Lanka chased down the target with composure, exposing Australia’s bowling struggles under pressure.
Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and opted to bowl first, backing his attack to exploit early conditions. Australia made three changes to their playing XI, bringing in Mitchell Marsh, Cooper Connolly and Xavier Bartlett for the must-win encounter. Sri Lanka also made a change, with Kusal Mendis returning to the side in place of Kamil Mishara as the co-hosts bolstered their batting depth.
Australia’s campaign was already on shaky ground after their shock defeat to Zimbabwe, making this a high-stakes contest in the Super 8 race. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, entered the match with momentum after wins over Ireland and Oman, and their victory here confirmed their status as serious contenders heading into the knockout phase.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI):
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
Australia (Playing XI):
Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim David, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa
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