Sri Lanka stormed into the Super 8s of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding eight-wicket win over Australia in Pallekele — and it was all about one man.
🌟 Pathum Nissanka.
💬 What Anil Kumble Said
Speaking on JioHotstar’s Match Centre Live, Kumble praised Nissanka’s unbeaten ton:
“Pathum Nissanka played an outstanding knock, one of the best innings in this World Cup and the tournament’s first hundred. That was the game-changer. Sri Lanka executed the chase perfectly.”
He added that although Sri Lanka’s first 10 overs with the ball weren’t ideal, the turning point came after Travis Head was dismissed.
🇱🇰 Jayasuriya Praises Support Staff
Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya credited the Indian coaching duo:
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🧤 R Sridhar (Fielding Coach)
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🏏 Vikram Rathour (Batting Coach)
Jayasuriya highlighted their impact on confidence, preparation, and tactical clarity — especially in backing the batting unit.
He also revealed Sri Lanka’s clear strategy:
🎯 Target Adam Zampa early
💦 Use dew conditions to their advantage
⚡ Attack the remaining bowlers
🏴 Australia’s Innings: Good Start, Poor Finish
After losing the toss, Australia posted 181 all out in 20 overs.
Key contributions:
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🧢 Mitchell Marsh – 54 (27)
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🧤 Josh Inglis – 27 (22)
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💥 Glenn Maxwell – 22 (15)
Sri Lanka’s top bowlers:
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🔥 Dushan Hemantha – 3/37
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🎯 Dushmantha Chameera – 2/36
Despite a strong 104-run stand early on, Australia failed to capitalize.
🚀 The Chase: Pure Sri Lankan Domination
Sri Lanka made it look easy.
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🌟 Pathum Nissanka – 100* (52 balls, 10 fours, 5 sixes)
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💎 Kusal Mendis – 51 (38)
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⚡ Pavan Rathnayake – 28* (15)
They chased down 181 with eight wickets in hand and two overs to spare.
Jayasuriya also called Rathnayake a “bright future star” despite limited T20 experience.
📊 Group Situation
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🇱🇰 Sri Lanka – Top of the table
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🇿🇼 Zimbabwe – Level on wins
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🇦🇺 Australia – One win, two losses
If Zimbabwe defeat Ireland, Australia will be eliminated.
