Pathum Nissanka turned a tricky chase into a one-sided affair on Monday, smashing a breathtaking 52-ball century to guide Sri Lanka to an eight-wicket win over Australia and seal their place in the Super Eights.
Chasing a record 182 at the venue, Sri Lanka rode on Nissanka’s unbeaten 100 — studded with 10 fours and five sixes — along with a fluent 38-ball 51 from Kusal Mendis to complete the chase in just 18 overs. Pavan Rathnayake added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 28 off 15 balls, leaving Australia’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Australia now face a must-win scenario against Oman in their final group match — and not just a win, but a big one. They must also hope that both Sri Lanka and Ireland defeat Zimbabwe. If Zimbabwe overcome Ireland on Thursday, Australia will be knocked out even before playing their final game.
Earlier, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head gave Australia a flying start with explosive half-centuries. Returning after missing two games due to injury, Marsh hammered 54 off 27 balls, while Head blazed 56 from just 29 deliveries. The pair stitched together a 104-run opening stand in under nine overs, putting Australia on course for a 200-plus total.
However, Sri Lanka staged a strong comeback in the latter half of the innings. Leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha was the pick of the bowlers with 3/37 in four overs, as the hosts claimed the final four wickets for just six runs to restrict Australia to 181.
In reply, Sri Lanka had an early hiccup when Kusal Perera sliced a delivery from Marcus Stoinis to deep backward point. But from there, Nissanka took control, producing a masterclass that not only secured victory but also sent Sri Lanka marching confidently into the next round.
