T20 World Cup - Sri Lanka qualifies for Super 8s by defeating Australia

The Sri Lankan team successfully defeated the current champions, the Australian team, by 8 wickets in a decisive match held on February 16, 2026, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, under Group 'B' of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament. Chasing a winning target of 182 runs, the Sri Lankan players easily surpassed the target by scoring 184 runs for the loss of only 2 wickets in 18 overs, with 12 balls remaining.

With this magnificent victory, Sri Lanka secured its place in the Super 8s, while the formidable Australian team now faces a serious risk of being eliminated from the tournament.

Invited to bat first on a fast pitch by Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka, who won the toss, the Australian opening batsmen got off to a very aggressive start. Travis Head scored 56 runs off 29 balls, and captain Mitchell Marsh scored 54 runs off 27 balls, building a massive 104-run partnership for the first wicket in 8.3 overs. Their aggressive batting, which saw them reach 70 runs without losing a wicket by the end of the Powerplay, suggested that Australia would post a huge total.

However, the Sri Lankan bowlers regained control of the match by causing an unexpected collapse of the Australian middle and lower order. From a position of 104 runs without loss, Sri Lankan spin and fast bowlers managed to take all 10 wickets for the remaining 77 runs. Accordingly, Australia's innings was restricted to 181 runs at the end of 20 overs, with the Sri Lankans not allowing the lower-order batsmen, led by Glenn Maxwell, to succeed, taking 4 wickets for just 6 runs in the final two overs. Dushan Hemantha delivered an excellent bowling performance, taking 3 wickets for 37 runs, and Dushmantha Chameera took 2 wickets for 36 runs. Excellent fielding and accurate bowling were key to this turnaround.

Although Sri Lanka lost an early wicket in their chase, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis stabilized the innings. Pathum Nissanka, understanding his responsibility perfectly, scored a rapid unbeaten century off just 52 balls, including fours and sixes, becoming the main architect of Sri Lanka's victory. Kusal Mendis provided excellent support, scoring a quick half-century and putting the Australian bowlers under immense pressure. Following their successful partnership, and with the support of Pawan Rathnayake, Sri Lanka sealed the victory by scoring 184 runs for 2 wickets. Nissanka's brilliant catch while fielding earlier and his valuable innings are among the best performances in the tournament so far.
Pathum Nissanka was awarded the Man of the Match.