Pathum Nissanka struck the first century of the 2026 T20 World Cup to guide Sri Lanka into the Super Eights and leave Australia teetering on the brink of elimination after an emphatic eight-wicket victory in Kandy on 16 February 2026.
Chasing 181 for victory, Sri Lanka powered to 184 for 2 with two overs to spare at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Nissanka remained unbeaten on a superb 100 from just 52 balls, striking 10 fours and five sixes in a commanding display of controlled aggression.
The result leaves Australia’s fate hanging in the balance. A Zimbabwe victory over Ireland on 17 February 2026, or against Sri Lanka on 19 February 2026, would confirm the 2021 champions’ exit. Should Zimbabwe lose both matches, Australia would still require a heavy win over Oman on 20 February 2026 to progress on net run rate.
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh admitted his side were now relying on other results.
“We’re in the lap of the gods now,” he said. “There are a lot of emotions in the room. We haven’t been at our best and we’re a disappointed group at the moment.”
Earlier, Australia had threatened a total well beyond 200 after a blistering opening stand between Marsh and Travis Head. The pair added 104 in just 51 balls, with Marsh making 54 on his return from injury and Head striking 56 in a ferocious display of power-hitting.
However, Sri Lanka’s spinners dragged the contest back in their favour. Leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha led the fightback with figures of 3 for 37 as Australia collapsed dramatically, losing their final six wickets for just 21 runs in 24 deliveries to finish on 181.
Sri Lanka’s reply was measured and authoritative. After an early breakthrough, Nissanka combined with Kusal Mendis in a decisive 97-run partnership for the second wicket, compiled from only 66 balls. Mendis registered his third half-century of the tournament before departing, but the damage had been done.
Nissanka, who became the first Sri Lankan to score two centuries in T20 internationals, showcased a full range of strokes — elegant flicks against pace and sumptuous cover drives against spin. He then shared an unbroken 76-run stand from 34 balls with Pavan Rathnayake to seal victory in style.
Sri Lanka arrived at the tournament on the back of a 3-0 series defeat by England, yet have since gathered momentum with three consecutive wins. Australia, meanwhile, have endured an injury-hit campaign and now face an anxious wait to learn their fate.
