Sports Desk (MNN); Sri Lanka secured a place in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Monday with a dominant eight-wicket win over Australia in the tournament’s 30th match, chasing down a challenging target with ease and putting Australia’s qualification hopes in doubt.
The Group B clash at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium saw Australia, batting first, dismissed for 181 in 20 overs. Travis Head (56) and Mitchell Marsh (54) gave Australia a strong start, reaching 104 before a collapse restricted them to a sub-par total. Josh Inglis (27) and Glenn Maxwell (22) contributed in the middle order, while the lower order failed to add significant runs.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Dushan Hemantha taking three wickets and Dushmantha Chameera two. Dunith Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis, and Maheesh Theekshana claimed one wicket each.
Chasing 182, Sri Lanka dominated from the start. Opener Pathum Nissanka starred with a match-winning unbeaten century, scoring 100 off 52 balls, supported by Kusal Mendis, who made 51 from 38 deliveries. Kusal Perera managed just one, while Pavan Ratnayake remained unbeaten on 28. Marcus Stoinis took both Sri Lankan wickets for 46 runs.
Sri Lanka completed the chase at 182 for 2 in 18 overs, confirming their Super Eight berth. This loss, coupled with a prior defeat to Zimbabwe, puts Australia’s progression to the next round in jeopardy.
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka’s decision to field after winning the toss proved pivotal as his team delivered a clinical all-round performance.
