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The Sri Lankan staff efficiently defeated the present champions, the Australian staff, by 8 wickets in a decisive match held on February 16, 2026, on the Pallekele Worldwide Cricket Stadium in Kandy, below Group ‘B’ of the 2026 ICC Males’s T20 World Cup Cricket Event. Chasing a profitable goal of 182 runs, the Sri Lankan gamers simply surpassed the goal by scoring 184 runs for the lack of solely 2 wickets in 18 overs, with 12 balls remaining.
With this magnificent victory, Sri Lanka secured its place within the Tremendous 8s, whereas the formidable Australian staff now faces a severe threat of being eradicated from the match.
Invited to bat first on a quick pitch by Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka, who gained the toss, the Australian opening batsmen acquired off to a really aggressive begin. Travis Head scored 56 runs off 29 balls, and captain Mitchell Marsh scored 54 runs off 27 balls, constructing an enormous 104-run partnership for the primary wicket in 8.3 overs. Their aggressive batting, which noticed them attain 70 runs with out shedding a wicket by the top of the Powerplay, urged that Australia would publish an enormous complete.
Nonetheless, the Sri Lankan bowlers regained management of the match by inflicting an sudden collapse of the Australian center and decrease order. From a place of 104 runs with out loss, Sri Lankan spin and quick bowlers managed to take all 10 wickets for the remaining 77 runs. Accordingly, Australia’s innings was restricted to 181 runs on the finish of 20 overs, with the Sri Lankans not permitting the lower-order batsmen, led by Glenn Maxwell, to succeed, taking 4 wickets for simply 6 runs within the last two overs. Dushan Hemantha delivered a superb bowling efficiency, taking 3 wickets for 37 runs, and Dushmantha Chameera took 2 wickets for 36 runs. Wonderful fielding and correct bowling have been key to this turnaround.
Though Sri Lanka misplaced an early wicket of their chase, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis stabilized the innings. Pathum Nissanka, understanding his duty completely, scored a fast unbeaten century off simply 52 balls, together with fours and sixes, turning into the primary architect of Sri Lanka’s victory. Kusal Mendis offered wonderful help, scoring a fast half-century and placing the Australian bowlers below immense strain. Following their profitable partnership, and with the help of Pawan Rathnayake, Sri Lanka sealed the victory by scoring 184 runs for two wickets. Nissanka’s sensible catch whereas fielding earlier and his priceless innings are among the many finest performances within the match to date.
Pathum Nissanka was awarded the Man of the Match.
