Pallekele erupted as Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head forged a sensational 104-run opening partnership, helping Australia reach 181/8 and tasking table-toppers Sri Lanka with chasing 182 in T20 World Cup action. Despite the early fireworks, Australia endured a wobble to post a competitive total.
Sri Lanka, 2-0 leaders, bowl first after winning toss. Head’s 56 (29 balls) packed with boundaries fell, costing four wickets quickly. Marsh’s 54 (27) steadied nerves amid the chaos at 130/4. Late hitting from Inglis (27, 3×6) and Maxwell (22) pushed the score.
Hemantha dominated with 3/27; Chameera took 2. Theekshana, Wellalage, Mendis shared spoils, curbing Australia’s momentum.
Full teams: Sri Lanka – Nissanka, K Perera, K Mendis (wk), Rathnayake, Shanaka (c), Kamindu, Hemantha, Wellalage, Chameera, Theekshana, Pathirana. Australia – Marsh (c), Head, Green, David, Inglis (wk), Stoinis, Maxwell, Connolly, Bartlett, Ellis, Zampa.
Zimbabwe’s double win keeps them atop, but this result looms large for knockout hopes. Sri Lanka’s chase on a true pitch will test their depth beyond the top order.