Memorable Win for Sri Lanka Over Australia Powered by Nissankas Century

Sri Lanka registered a stunning victory in the T20 World Cup. After restricting Australia to 181 runs in the first innings, they chased down the target in style, riding on a brilliant century from Pathum Nissanka.

Chasing 182, Sri Lanka suffered an early setback. Kusal Perera was dismissed for just 1 run in the second over, slicing a short-of-length delivery to deep backward point off Marcus Stoinis.

However, the early wicket did not slow the Lankan momentum. Opener Nissanka and No. 3 batter Kusal Mendis counterattacked aggressively, putting the Australian bowlers under pressure. Both reached their half-centuries. Stoinis once again broke through, ending the 97-run partnership by dismissing Mendis for 51.

Sri Lanka continued to dominate. Pavan Rathnayake provided solid support as Nissanka took control of the chase. Twenty runs came off one Stoinis over, shifting the momentum firmly in Sri Lanka’s favor. Nissanka brought up his century in the 18th over, becoming the first batter to score a hundred in this edition of the tournament. He remained unbeaten on 100. It was Sri Lanka’s joint-highest individual score in T20 World Cup history and also the country’s second-fastest T20I century.

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field. Australia made a blazing start. Captain Mitchell Marsh returned from injury and looked in fine touch. Alongside Travis Head, he powered Australia to 70 without loss in the powerplay.

Head scored 56 runs, hitting seven fours and three sixes. But after his dismissal at 104, Australia lost momentum. From 105 for 1 in nine overs, they managed just 31 runs in the next five overs.

Sri Lanka’s spinners turned the game around. Leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha provided the breakthrough by dismissing Head and later picked up another crucial wicket. Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage lured Cameron Green into a stumping. Part-time bowler Kamindu Mendis dismissed Tim David.

Glenn Maxwell survived on 18 after a dropped chance but was later dismissed thanks to a spectacular leaping catch by Nissanka. Australia eventually finished on 181. Hemantha claimed three wickets, while Dushmantha Chameera took two.