Sri Lanka staged an incredible comeback in their Group B match against Australia at Kandy, which turned out to be an 8-wicket victory for the hosts in the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 16.
Australia began their innings with fireworks, with Head and Marsh teaching their bowlers a lesson. They easily reached 70 without loss in the powerplay, with the duo gelling perfectly to counter Sri Lanka’s attack. Head then smashed 50 off 27 balls, with 7 fours and 2 sixes, while Marsh completed his 50 off just 25 balls, with 8 fours and 2 sixes. Together, they added 100 runs in just 50 balls, which took Australia to a strong position.
Sri Lanka came back strongly in the middle overs, with Marsh being given out, which was later overturned by the review system. Even though they lost wickets, Australia still managed to reach 181 all out in 20 overs.
Chasing 182 runs, Sri Lanka started well too, reaching 61/1 after the powerplay courtesy of a solid opening partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. Although Mendis made a solid fifty, the night belonged to Pathum Nissanka. He scored 50 runs off just 32 balls and then exploded after that.
Pathum Nissanka scored a magnificent 100 runs off just 52 balls, hitting 10 fours and 5 sixes in an almost flawless innings. Sri Lanka chased the runs easily, scoring 184/2 after 18 overs, leaving 12 balls unused.
Player of the Match: Pathum Nissanka for scoring an unbeaten 100 runs off 52 balls – one of the best innings of the tournament so far.
Match snapshot:
Australia: 181 all out (20 overs)
Sri Lanka: 184/2 (18 overs)
Result: Sri Lanka won the match by 8 wickets
Player of the Match: Pathum Nissanka (100* off 52)
Sri Lanka has qualified for the Super Eight stage of ICC Men's T20 world cup 2026, while Australia has very low chances to qualify for the super eight stage; they have to changes if Zimbabwe loses the match against Ireland with good margin