The Pallekele faithful witnessed cricketing magic on Sunday as Sri Lanka demolished Australia by 8 wickets in the T20 World Cup 2026, courtesy Pathum Nissanka’s explosive hundred. This result catapults them into Super 8s on the back of three consecutive victories.
Sri Lanka’s form was impeccable—20 runs over Ireland, 105 over Oman. Australia, stung by a 23-run loss to Zimbabwe after beating Ireland by 67, faced another nightmare.
Australia batted first, scoring 181. Openers Head (56, 29b) and Marsh (54, 27b) ravaged 104 runs early. Inglis (27 off 22) and Maxwell (22) contributed, yet Hemantha (3 wkts) and Chameera (2) orchestrated the collapse.
Chasing, Sri Lanka lost Perera (1) at 8, but Nissanka-Mendis added 97 off 66. Mendis (51 off 38) fell at 105, but Nissanka’s unfinished symphony with Ratnayake (79* off 34) ensured an 18-over finish. Stoinis took 2-46.
A testament to resilience, this win boosts Sri Lanka’s morale, with Nissanka’s heroics etching his name in World Cup lore.