Nissanka's Explosive 52 Ball Ton Crushes Australia: Sri Lanka Storm into Super 8s, Aussies on Brink of Exit
Pathum Nissanka's blistering unbeaten century powered Sri Lanka to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Australia in their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Group B clash at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 16, 2026.
Chasing a competitive 182, Sri Lanka romped home in just 18 overs, securing their spot in the Super 8s and leaving Australia teetering on the brink of elimination.Australia posted 181 all out in their 20 overs after being put in to bat by Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka.
Captain Mitchell Marsh (54 off 27) and Travis Head (56 off 29) provided a fiery start with a 104-run opening stand, but the middle order faltered against disciplined Sri Lankan spin. Dushan Hemantha starred with 3-37, while Dushmantha Chameera and others chipped in to restrict the defending champions.
In reply, Sri Lanka lost Kusal Perera early for 1, but Pathum Nissanka took charge. The opener smashed an explosive 100 not out off just 52 balls (10 fours, 5 sixes), anchoring the chase with a 97-run partnership alongside Kusal Mendis (51 off 38). Pavan Rathnayake finished unbeaten on 28 off 15 as Sri Lanka sealed the win with two overs to spare.This chase marked several milestones:
Sri Lanka's highest successful run chase in T20 World Cups.
Their highest successful chase against Australia in the tournament's history.
The first time Sri Lanka have chased down 180 against a team other than Bangladesh or Zimbabwe in T20Is.
The second-highest successful chase by any team in T20Is in Sri Lanka.
Nissanka's ton was historic—the first century in the 2026 T20 World Cup and the first against Australia in the tournament's history (surpassing Umar Akmal's 94 in 2014).The result means Sri Lanka advance to the Super 8s with three wins from three. Australia, the 2021 champions, now face an uphill battle: they will be eliminated if Zimbabwe defeat Ireland in their upcoming match.
Chasing a competitive 182, Sri Lanka romped home in just 18 overs, securing their spot in the Super 8s and leaving Australia teetering on the brink of elimination.Australia posted 181 all out in their 20 overs after being put in to bat by Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka.
Captain Mitchell Marsh (54 off 27) and Travis Head (56 off 29) provided a fiery start with a 104-run opening stand, but the middle order faltered against disciplined Sri Lankan spin. Dushan Hemantha starred with 3-37, while Dushmantha Chameera and others chipped in to restrict the defending champions.
In reply, Sri Lanka lost Kusal Perera early for 1, but Pathum Nissanka took charge. The opener smashed an explosive 100 not out off just 52 balls (10 fours, 5 sixes), anchoring the chase with a 97-run partnership alongside Kusal Mendis (51 off 38). Pavan Rathnayake finished unbeaten on 28 off 15 as Sri Lanka sealed the win with two overs to spare.This chase marked several milestones:
Sri Lanka's highest successful run chase in T20 World Cups.
Their highest successful chase against Australia in the tournament's history.
The first time Sri Lanka have chased down 180 against a team other than Bangladesh or Zimbabwe in T20Is.
The second-highest successful chase by any team in T20Is in Sri Lanka.
Nissanka's ton was historic—the first century in the 2026 T20 World Cup and the first against Australia in the tournament's history (surpassing Umar Akmal's 94 in 2014).The result means Sri Lanka advance to the Super 8s with three wins from three. Australia, the 2021 champions, now face an uphill battle: they will be eliminated if Zimbabwe defeat Ireland in their upcoming match.