Pathum Nissanka’s joy was palpable after his unbeaten ton orchestrated Sri Lanka’s stunning eight-wicket demolition of Australia, booking their Super 8 ticket in the T20 World Cup at Pallekele. The star batter savored every moment of his game-changing knock.
In 52 deliveries, Nissanka amassed 100 not out with 15 boundaries, guiding Sri Lanka to chase 182 in a mere 18 overs. The perfect pitch unlocked his flair. ‘Ecstatic to notch a century and clinch victory for the team,’ he declared, crediting the surface.
On tactics, he pointed to an ideal powerplay and synergy with Kusal Mendis: ‘That partnership set us up; we carried it through to the end.’ Pallekele’s second-innings advantage, sans heavy dew, aided their cause as the pitch sweetened.
Nissanka’s secret? Selective aggression: ‘Waited for my strengths and pounced.’ Sri Lanka’s perfect run – beating Ireland by 20, Oman by 105 – installs them atop Group B (+2.462 NRR).
Australia languishes second (+0.414 NRR) post their latest defeat. Zimbabwe and Ireland vie for remaining Super 8 berths. With Nissanka firing, Sri Lanka eyes glory.