Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka was delighted with the team’s win over Australia in the T20 World Cup 2026. The co-hosts beat Mitchell Marsh’s side to qualify for the Super 8s tournament, pushing Australia to the brink of an early exit.
Shanaka called it one of Sri Lanka’s best performances in the recent past after the match as the side defeated the Aussies by eight wickets. Opener Pathum Nissanka burst into the Australian attack, scoring a magnificent set – a first in this edition of the World Cup – to get Sri Lanka over the line with 12 balls to spare.
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After being bowled out for 100 runs in the first eight overs, the Sri Lankan spinners went to work to restrict Australia to 181 – a competitive total on a tricky pitch.
The Lankans suffered an early blow, with fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana suffering a hamstring injury and limping off the field after bowling just four.
However, Sri Lanka did not lose hope. They unleashed their army of spinners against the Aussies and kept them quiet for the last 10 overs.
“One of the best performances in the recent past. Happy with the way the first innings went. We were still very positive after losing Pathirana. We had confidence. We knew about the wicket as well. Each of them showed high body language. Everyone wanted to contribute. Hasaranga and now Pathirana are big mistakes but we have to take the good from there,” Shanaka said after the match.
Chasing 182, Nissanka played a famous innings to get his hundred in just 52 balls. He was accompanied by Kusal Mendis, who steadied the Sri Lankan ship after the dismissal of Kusal Perera in the second over of the match. Mendis scored 51 runs, added 97 with Nissanka to lay a strong base for the counter-attack.
After Mendis’ wicket, it was Nissanka all the way. The opener marched to his hundred with 10 fours and five sixes. He was later joined by youngster Pavan Rathnayake who scored a brisk 28 off just 15 balls.
“Nissan’s knock was due. It’s a great feeling to qualify for the Super 8s. After many years to make it to the next round. I hope we make it to the semi-finals as well. We have to thank the crowd,” concluded the Sri Lankan captain.
The loss pushed Australia to the brink of elimination. Despite a blistering start from skipper Mitchell Marsh and opener Travis Head, Australia’s innings bowed out under Sri Lanka’s spell, settling for a total of about 20 runs behind what they could have achieved.
Now Australia will be keeping a close eye on Zimbabwe’s clash with Ireland on Tuesday. If Zimbabwe win, Australia will be eliminated from the tournament.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
February 16, 2026