Sri Lanka Beat Australia to Reach Super 8 as Pathum Nissanka’s Historic Century Ends Aussie Hopes

Colombo, February 16 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka stormed into the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating Australia in a decisive Group B showdown, powered by a sensational unbeaten century from Pathum Nissanka, the first hundred of this T20 World Cup. Chasing 181,

Sri Lanka delivered one of the standout performances of the tournament, sealing qualification while leaving Australia’s campaign hanging by a narrow thread. Group B, already the tightest pool in the competition, has now taken a dramatic turn.

Australia Post 181 After Marsh and Head Blitz

Australia came out firing. Mitchell Marsh smashed 54 off 27 ball, while Travis Head blasted 56 off 29, combining for a ferocious opening assault that put Sri Lanka under immediate pressure.

The pair dominated the powerplay, finding boundaries at will and threatening a 200-plus total. However, Sri Lanka regrouped impressively through the middle overs, slowing the scoring rate and forcing breakthroughs at key moments. Despite the explosive start, Australia were eventually bowled out for 181, a competitive but chaseable total.

Sri Lanka’s task became tougher when speedster Matheesha Pathirana left the field just four balls into his first over with discomfort in his left calf. With Wanindu Hasaranga already ruled out of the tournament, Sri Lanka had to dig deep. They did more than that.

Pathum Nissanka Smashes First Century of T20 World Cup 2026

This was Pathum Nissanka’s night. The Sri Lankan opener launched the chase with fearless intent, attacking the pace bowlers early and racing to his half-century in just 32 balls. From there, he shifted gears with composure and authority.

Nissanka finished unbeaten on 100* off 52 balls, striking 10 fours and 5 sixes, becoming the first player to score a century at the T20 World Cup 2026. It was a masterclass in controlled aggression. He pierced gaps with precision, cleared the ropes cleanly, and never allowed Australia to build sustained pressure.

Even as wickets fell around him, Nissanka held the chase together, ensuring Sri Lanka crossed the line. Under tournament pressure and against a high-quality attack, it was a defining knock.

Kusal Mendis Continues Record-Breaking Streak

While Nissanka stole the spotlight, Kusal Mendis delivered another vital contribution. Mendis scored 51 off 38 balls, hitting 6 fours and 1 six, and brought up his third consecutive fifty in this World Cup. In doing so, he joined an elite list — Mahela Jayawardene, Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, and KL Rahul — as only the fifth player to score three straight fifties in T20 World Cups.

His ability to accelerate against spin complemented Nissanka perfectly, building the platform for Sri Lanka’s successful chase.

Australia Still Alive — But Under Pressure

Australia are not officially eliminated, but their qualification path has become significantly more complicated. Their earlier defeat to Zimbabwe had already reduced their margin for error.

This loss now means:

* They must win their remaining match.
* Net run rate could prove decisive.
* Other Group B results must go in their favor.

The room for recovery exists — but it is narrow.

Sri Lanka Advance With Momentum

Despite injury concerns and tournament pressure, Sri Lanka have hit peak form at the right time. With their top order firing and belief surging, they head into the Super 8 with momentum.

Group B has delivered drama from start to finish — and this result may prove its turning point.

Sri Lanka move forward. Australia remain in contention — but only just.

And at the heart of it all stands Pathum Nissanka, whose unbeaten 100* off 52 balls will be remembered as one of the defining innings of the T20 World Cup 2026 so far.

Pix by: Kushan Pathiraja