Suryakumar Yadav Press Conference: How SKY Trolled Indo-Pak Rivalry
Chasing a target of 182, Sri Lanka’s innings was anchored by Nissanka, who hit 10 fours and five sixes, and Kusal Mendis, who contributed a smooth 51 off 38 balls. The pair put on 97 runs for the second wicket to keep Sri Lanka comfortably ahead. Pavan Rathnayake added a brisk 28 off 15 balls as the hosts raced to 184/2 in just 18 overs, maintaining a commanding run rate throughout.Sent in to bat, Australia got off to a flying start with Mitchell Marsh (54 off 27) and Travis Head (56 off 29) adding 104 runs in less than nine overs. Their powerful knock set Australia up for a total of over 200, with boundaries and sixes flowing freely.However, Sri Lanka clawed their way back in the second half of the innings. Leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha proved to be an outstanding bowler with figures of 3/37 in four overs while Dushmantha Chameera and Dunith Wellalage picked up key wickets. Australia slumped from 104/0 to 130/4 before being bowled out for 181. Pathum Nissanka also redeemed himself in the field by taking a brilliant diving catch to dismiss Glenn Maxwell.Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when Kusal Perera was caught at deep backward point, but Nissanka and Mendis ensured the chase remained in check. Even after Mendis’s dismissal by Marcus Stoinis, there was no stopping Nissanka who took the team over the line with 12 balls to spare.The result marks a dramatic turnaround for Sri Lanka, while Australia, who were earlier humbled by Zimbabwe, now face an uncertain path to the Super Eight. A combination of explosive batting and clinical bowling from the hosts proved too much for the Australians, highlighting Sri Lanka’s dynamism and Australia’s vulnerability in the tournament.