The Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026 Highlights at the Pallekele International Stadium will go down as one of the most dominant chases in the nation’s history. In a clinical demolition, Sri Lanka chased down 182 with 8 wickets in hand and 12 balls to spare, officially booking their spot in the Super 8s. The night belonged to *Pathum Nissanka (100)**, who became the first centurion of the 2026 edition. Despite a blistering 104-run opening stand between Travis Head (56) and Mitchell Marsh (54), Australia’s middle-order collapse against the spin of Dushan Hemantha (3/37) proved fatal. This defeat leaves Australia in the “lap of the Gods,” facing potential elimination if Zimbabwe beats Ireland.
Match Summary: Nissanka’s Century Shatters Aussie Dreams
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 - Match 30 - Australia vs Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s 8-wicket victory was a tale of a stunning recovery followed by a masterclass in batting. Australia, boosted by the return of skipper Mitchell Marsh, exploded out of the blocks to reach 104/0 in just 8.2 overs. However, the introduction of spin saw them lose all 10 wickets for just 77 runs, folding for 181. The chase began with the early loss of Kusal Perera, but Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis (51) shared a relentless 97-run partnership. Nissanka’s maiden World Cup ton—studded with 10 fours and 5 sixes—ensured the co-hosts reached the target in 18 overs, sparking wild celebrations across the island.
Playing XI
Australia
Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (C), Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Cooper Connolly, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Xavier Bartlett.
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana.
Key Stats & Records From Today's Match:
First Centurion: Pathum Nissanka is the first player to score a century in the T20 World Cup 2026.
History Made: This was the first century ever conceded by Australia in T20 World Cup history.
Chase Record: 182 is the highest total ever chased by Sri Lanka in T20 World Cups.
Nissanka’s Double: Nissanka is now the first Sri Lankan to score two T20I hundreds.
Super 8 Streak: Sri Lanka has won all three of their group matches so far in 2026.
Innings Breakdown
First Innings: The Great Aussie De-Railing
The first half of the Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026 Highlights was a game of two halves. Mitchell Marsh (54) and Travis Head (56) launched a ferocious assault, treating the Pallekele crowd to a boundary-fest as they reached 100 in the 9th over. However, once Dushan Hemantha (3/37) removed Head, the wheels fell off. Australia’s middle order struggled against the grip and turn, losing their final six wickets for a poultry 21 runs. They were eventually bowled out for 181 on the final ball, a total that felt 30 runs short given the start.
An absolute stunner from Pathum Nissanka 🚀 pic.twitter.com/Idxu6ORVTA
— 100MB (@100MasterBlastr) February 16, 2026
Second Innings: The Pathum Nissanka Show
Sri Lanka’s pursuit began with intent despite Kusal Perera falling in the second over. *Pathum Nissanka (100)** played with a laser-focused eye, picking gaps with surgical precision. He found a perfect ally in Kusal Mendis (51), as the duo neutralized the threat of Adam Zampa. After Mendis fell, Pavan Rathnayake (28*) provided the finishing touches. Nissanka reached his historic century with a flick through mid-wicket, as Sri Lanka raced to 184/2 in just 18 overs, completing their highest-ever T20 World Cup chase at home.
Top Performers
Pathum Nissanka (100 off 52 balls) - Player of the Match
Nissanka was simply elite. He became only the second Sri Lankan after Mahela Jayawardene to score a T20 World Cup century. His ability to accelerate from a 32-ball fifty to a 52-ball hundred completely dismantled Australia’s plans and secured his status as the premier opener of the tournament.
Dushan Hemantha (3/37 off 4 overs) - The Game Changer
Stepping in as the primary leg-spinner, Hemantha turned the game on its head. By removing both Head and Marsh just as they looked to post 220+, he gave Sri Lanka the opening they needed. His dismissal of Glenn Maxwell later in the innings was the final nail in the Australian coffin.
Kusal Mendis (51 off 38 balls) - The Support Act
While Nissanka provided the fireworks, Mendis provided the stability. His third fifty of the competition ensured that the pressure never mounted on the other end. His partnership with Nissanka was the bedrock of the most successful chase in Pallekele history.
Key Moments & Turning Points: The "Bat-Stuck" Run Out
The Hemantha Double-Strike: Australia was cruising at 104/0 until Dushan Hemantha dismissed Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh in consecutive overs. This triggered a collapse where the visitors lost 6 wickets for just 21 runs.
Nissanka’s “Shush” Century: On reaching his hundred off 52 balls, Nissanka celebrated with a “shush” gesture to the critics. His second fifty came in just 20 balls, completely demoralizing the Australian pace battery.
Stoinis’ 15th Over Meltdown: Needing to keep things tight, Marcus Stoinis conceded 20 runs in the 15th over, including a massive six over square leg by Nissanka. This moment reduced the equation to a run-a-ball, effectively ending the contest.
What This Result Means for Group B - Sri Lanka Qualify for Super-8
Sri Lanka has officially qualified for the Super 8s as Group B leaders. They move into the next round with maximum points and massive momentum. For Australia, the situation is dire. They remain on 2 points and must beat Oman by a huge margin to stay in the hunt. However, if Zimbabwe beats Ireland on Tuesday, Australia will be officially eliminated from the 2026 T20 World Cup before they even play their final game.
T20 World Cup 2026 Group B Points Table
Group B Points Table
Match Highlights - Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026
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