Pathum Nissanka scored a century against Australia, leading Sri Lanka to an 8-wicket victory in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, ensuring their advancement to the Super 8 stage.
Australia’s chance of qualifying now depends on Sri Lanka and Ireland. If both teams defeat Zimbabwe, Australia will proceed, but they must also overcome Oman. If Zimbabwe wins even one match, Australia will be eliminated.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that proved advantageous. Australia’s openers, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, started strong with a 104-run partnership in just 8.3 overs.
Marsh returned to the team, scoring 54 off 27 balls, while Head made 56 off 29. Sri Lanka’s spinners then dismissed Head, Cameron Green (3), Marsh, and Tim David (6) in a quick succession.
Josh Inglis contributed 27 off 22 and Glenn Maxwell added 22 off 15, taking Australia’s total to 181. Dushan Hemantha was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, taking 3 wickets, alongside Dushmantha Chameera (2), and others who added 1 each.
In response, Nissanka’s remarkable 100 off 52 balls, along with Kusal Mendis’ 51 off 38 and Pavan Rathnayake’s 28 off 15, helped Sri Lanka reach the target of 182 smoothly. Marcus Stoinis took 2 wickets for Australia.
Full Scorecard – Sri Lanka vs Australia ICC T20 World Cup 2026, February 16
Sri Lanka 184 for 2 (Nissanka 100, Kusal 51, Stoinis 2-46) beat Australia 181 (Head 56, Marsh 54, Hemantha 3-37, Chameera 2-36) by 8 wickets.
Match Highlights & Key Moments
Australia set a competitive total with Mitchell Marsh scoring 54 on his return and Travis Head achieving 56, ending a long wait for a fifty. However, Sri Lanka managed to rein them in during the middle overs, with Dushan Hemantha taking 3 for 37 and preventing a higher score on a pitch that offered slight turn.
During the chase, Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten century simplified the target, sealing the game early. Kusal Mendis added a quick 51, giving Sri Lanka an edge in the powerplay. Sri Lanka concluded their innings at 184 for 2, winning comfortably by 8 wickets.
Player of the Match
Pathum Nissanka received the Player of the Match award for his striking 100 runs and also made one of the best catches of the tournament.
What This Result Means for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka’s win against Australia secured their spot in the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Australia’s defeat has placed their campaign at risk, making them reliant on the outcomes of other teams.
FAQs – Yesterday’s Sri Lanka vs Australia ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Q1: Who won yesterday’s Sri Lanka vs Australia match?
A1: Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets on February 16, 2026, in Pallekele.
Q2: Who was the Player of the Match?
A2: Pathum Nissanka was named Player of the Match for his 100 runs off 52 balls.
Q3: What was the final score of yesterday’s match?
A3: Australia 181 (Head 56, Marsh 54, Hemantha 3-37, Chameera 2-36) vs Sri Lanka 184 for 2 (Nissanka 100, Kusal 51, Stoinis 2-46).
