Pathum Nissanka Smashes Historic Century As Sri Lanka Thrash Australia, Push 2021 Champions To Brink of T20 World Cup 2026 Exit
Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka scored the first century of the T20 World Cup 2026, powering his team to a commanding eight-wicket win over Australia in their Group B encounter at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Monday. The victory leaves Australia teetering on the edge of a group-stage elimination, with their fate now hanging on Tuesday’s result between Zimbabwe and Ireland. Should Zimbabwe prevail, the 2021 champions will be knocked out of the tournament.
Nissanka’s landmark innings made history as the first century scored by any batter against Australia across all T20 World Cup editions. The previous highest individual score against Australia in the competition was 94, made by Pakistan’s Umar Akmal.
Sri Lanka’s successful pursuit of 182 represents their highest run chase in T20 World Cup history and also stands as the highest total ever chased against Australia in the tournament. The match further marked the first occasion Sri Lanka has posted a score above 180 in T20 internationals against opposition other than Zimbabwe or Bangladesh.
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Nissanka’s century equals the highest score by a Sri Lankan batter in T20 World Cups, matching former captain Mahela Jayawardene’s 100 against Zimbabwe in 2010.
Australia’s batting collapse costs them dearly
Australia entered the clash knowing only a victory would apply pressure on Zimbabwe and keep Group B alive. Mitchell Marsh, returning from injury, paired with Travis Head to build a blistering opening partnership of 104 runs within 8.2 overs. However, once Head (56) and Marsh (54) fell in quick succession, Australia’s innings collapsed dramatically. Despite their flying start of 104 without loss, Dasun Shanaka’s side restricted Australia to 181.
Sri Lanka’s Dushan Hemantha emerged as the match-winner with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets including Marsh, Head, and Glenn Maxwell (22).