Sri Lanka beats mighty Australia by 8 wickets, move to super-8; Pathum Nissanka* 100(52)

In a high-stakes encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka secured their place in the Super 8s of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding victory over Australia. Chasing a target of 182, the home side rode on a sensational unbeaten century from Pathum Nissanka, who dismantled the Australian bowling attack with ease. Sri Lanka reached the target with 12 balls to spare, leaving the former champions’ tournament hopes hanging by a thread.

Earlier in the evening, Australia got off to a blistering start after being put in to bat. Returning skipper Mitchell Marsh and opener Travis Head combined for a fiery 104-run opening stand in just over eight overs. Marsh and Head both struck aggressive half-centuries, but the momentum shifted dramatically when Dushan Hemantha broke the partnership. From 104/0, the Australian middle order suffered a spectacular collapse against the Lankan spinners, eventually being bundled out for 181 on the final ball of the innings.

The chase began with a slight hiccup as Kusal Perera fell early to Marcus Stoinis, but Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis quickly stabilized the innings. The duo stitched together a 97-run partnership for the second wicket, keeping the required rate well under control. While Mendis fell shortly after reaching his fifty, Nissanka remained relentless, unleashing a flurry of sixes against Nathan Ellis and Marcus Stoinis to reach his hundred and guide his team home amidst a jubilant Kandy crowd.

With this win, Sri Lanka maintains their perfect record in Group B with three wins from three matches. For Australia, the situation has become critical following their earlier shock loss to Zimbabwe. They now sit in third place and must win their remaining fixtures while hoping for other results to go their way to avoid a premature exit from the global showpiece.