T20 WC: Nissanka’s Stunning Hundred Sends Sri Lanka Into Super 8s With Dominant Win Over Australia

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Pathum Nissanka delivered a career-defining knock to lead Sri Lanka to a comprehensive eight-wicket triumph against Australia in the 30th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Pallekele on Monday.

The emphatic result confirmed the co-hosts’ place in the Super 8 phase of the tournament.

Set a target of 182, Sri Lanka suffered an early blow when Kusal Perera departed in the second over, dismissed by Marcus Stoinis. Despite the early loss, Nissanka and Kusal Mendis counter-attacked confidently, striking regular boundaries to put Australia under pressure.

The hosts raced to 61 for 1 in the Power-play, registering one of their best starts against Australia in T20 internationals.

The duo maintained control of the chase with a commanding 87-run stand for the second wicket, the highest such partnership for Sri Lanka against Australia in the format.

Nissanka first reached his half-century and then accelerated brilliantly to convert it into a superb hundred off just 52 deliveries, becoming only the second Sri Lankan to score a century in a T20 World Cup.

Mendis contributed a fluent 51 before falling, but Pavan Rathnayake ensured a smooth finish, striking the decisive runs to complete Sri Lanka’s highest successful T20 chase at the venue.

Spinners Turn the Tide After Australia’s Explosive Start

Earlier, Australia began aggressively after being invited to bat. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head launched a fierce assault, putting together a rapid 104-run opening partnership from only 52 balls.

The visitors surged to 70 without loss in the first six overs, marking one of their most productive Power-plays in T20 World Cup history. However, Sri Lanka’s spin attack shifted the momentum.

Dushan Hemantha impressed with figures of 3 for 37, while Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis tightened the screws through disciplined bowling. Australia’s innings unravelled as they lost eight wickets for just 72 runs, finishing on 181 all out.

Nissanka’s composed yet attacking century ultimately proved decisive, igniting celebrations in Kandy and propelling Sri Lanka confidently into the Super 8 stage.

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Bishal Singh