Pathum Nissanka produced a stunning century to push Australia to the brink of elimination in the 2026 T20 World Cup on Monday (February 16).
After an injury-hit Australia posted a competitive 184/2, Nissanka took complete control of the chase. The 27-year-old smashed his maiden T20 World Cup hundred off just 52 balls, striking 10 fours and five sixes, as Sri Lanka chased down the target with authority.
The victory — Sri Lanka’s third in a row at home — lifted them to six points and confirmed their place in the Super Eights as the fourth team to qualify. Australia, meanwhile, were left in deep trouble despite having two points from three games, their only win coming against Ireland earlier in the tournament.
Zimbabwe national cricket team, who stunned Australia last week, sit on four points and are favourites to progress alongside Sri Lanka. With two matches remaining — against Ireland national cricket team on February 17 and Sri Lanka on February 19 — a single win will secure their qualification.
Australia are still mathematically alive, but their path is narrow. They need Zimbabwe to lose both remaining games. If Ireland defeat Zimbabwe, Australia must beat Oman on February 20 to move to four points and ensure their Net Run Rate stays above Ireland’s (+0.150), with Australia currently at a superior +0.414.
Australia’s campaign has been hampered by injuries. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been ruled out, while Mitchell Marsh and Tim David have also battled fitness concerns.
In the match, half-centuries from Marsh and Travis Head powered Australia past 100 inside 10 overs. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers triggered a dramatic late collapse, picking up four wickets for just six runs to restrict them to 181.
Nissanka then anchored the chase brilliantly. He stitched a decisive 97-run partnership with Kusal Mendis, who scored 51, as Sri Lanka comfortably overhauled the 182-run target with two overs to spare, leaving Australia’s World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
