In the Group B encounter between Sri Lanka and Oman at the Kandy venue, hosts Sri Lanka hammered the latter by 105 runs, with Pavan Rathnayake of Sri Lanka dazzling the fans with a quick-fire fifty to get the Player of the Match award.

Sri Lanka innings: 225/5 in 20 Overs

Sri Lanka began confidently with 58 runs off the powerplay, though they lost two wickets in the opening six overs. Oman opted to use their reviews to dismiss BKG Mendis and Pathum Nissanka.

And then Rathnayake turned the tables with a brave counter-attack of his own. He compiled a 50-run third-wicket stand just within 30 balls and got his fifty in just 24 deliveries, hitting six fours and a six.

Sri Lanka crossed the 100-mark in 10.4 overs and kept the scoreboard ticking. Mendis stuck at the other end and reached his own half-century off 39 deliveries.

Sri Lanka cruised to 136/3 at drinks, with their acceleration enough to speak of, especially after Dasun Shanaka joined Mendis to unleash a brutal finish. Shanaka smashed 50 from 19 deliveries with five sixes, with the duo adding 50 runs for the fourth wicket in just 22 deliveries.

They achieved 200 in the 19th over and finished at 225/5, one of the tournament’s big totals.

Oman Innings: 120/9 in 20 overs

Oman did not find momentum in the run chase as they were dismissed in quick succession during the powerplay. They scored only 36 runs from three wickets in the first six overs as another review had dismissed Aamir Kaleem.

Mohammad Nadeem fought hard for Oman, scoring 50 off 52 balls, but wickets kept falling as the Sri Lankan bowlers maintained strict lines and attacked hard to restrict the run rate.

Although they did reach 100 in the latter stages of the innings, they were still only on 120/9 after 20 overs, far short of the target of 226.
Rathnayake Leads Sri Lanka to Big Win

Pavan Rathnayake’s explosive 60 off 28 balls set the platform for Sri Lanka’s commanding victory. His fearless strokeplay ensured Sri Lanka’s total was always out of Oman’s reach.

Match Summary

Sri Lanka: 225/5 (20 overs)

Oman: 120/9 (20 overs)

Result: Sri Lanka won by 105 runs

Player of the Match: Pavan Rathnayake (60 off 28 balls)