Sri Lanka’s entry into the Super 8s at the T20 World Cup was influenced by Australia’s dramatic collapse as much as Pathum Nissanka’s brilliance with the bat.
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Australia looked set for a massive total in Pallekele. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head added 104 runs in just 51 deliveries, putting Sri Lanka under immense pressure early on. At 151 for 4 after 15 overs, a score in excess of 200 seemed certain.
But the shift unfolded spectacularly. Sri Lanka’s spinners tightened the screws and exposed Australia’s struggle to adapt to a slowing surface. Dushan Hemantha struck the crucial blows while Dushmantha Chameera delivered a clinical finish at the death. Australia lost six wickets for just 30 runs in the last five overs, slipping from dominance to vulnerability in a matter of minutes. That collapse reduced them to 181 – a total that suddenly felt below par.
In the post-match press conference, Pathum Nissanka said that Sri Lanka felt the change immediately.
“We felt they were about 20 runs short,” Nissanka said. “At one stage we thought they might get 200 or even 210. Our aim was to keep them under 200.”
SMART CHASE BUILT ON PATIENCE
Sri Lanka, armed with the belief that Australia were 20-30 runs short, took a calm approach to the chase. Nissanka and Kusal Mendis planned to bat normally for the first 12 overs, avoiding panic and ill-advised shots.
“We planned to play normal cricket for about 12 overs,” explained Nissanka. “Kusal was batting well, so it was easier for me to bat with him. We didn’t have to force anything.”
The pair alternated strike, cashing in on short deliveries and keeping the required rate under control. With no pressure on the scoreboard, the chase unfolded smoothly.
Nissanka’s unbeaten 100 from 52 balls sealed the victory in style. His favorite shot of the night – a backswing against a left-arm spinner – underlined his confidence. The “shup” celebration that followed his century, he clarified, was not aimed at anyone in particular.
In the end, Sri Lanka combined a keen awareness of the game with clinical execution. They punished Australia’s late collapse and went their own way answer perfectly and reserve a well-deserved Super 8 bed.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
February 17, 2026