Shanaka, Rathnayake Power Sri Lanka to a Dominant 105-Run Victory

Co-host Sri Lanka sent a strong message at the T20 World Cup with a commanding 105-run win over Oman in Kandy, underlining their credentials in emphatic fashion.

After winning the toss on Thursday, Oman captain Jatinder Singh opted to field first. Sri Lanka lost early wickets, with Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka departing, but still managed 58/2 at the end of the powerplay.

Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake then put on a superb 94-run partnership off 52 balls. Rathnayake was the more aggressive of the two, smashing 60 off just 28 deliveries, including eight fours and a six. Mendis provided solid support with a composed 61 off 45 balls.

Following Rathnayake’s dismissal, captain Dasun Shanaka unleashed a brutal assault on the Oman bowlers. He brought up his half-century in just 19 balls, hammering five sixes and two fours — the fastest T20I fifty in Sri Lanka’s history. The hosts plundered 129 runs in the last 10 overs, including 17 in the final over, to post 225/5 in 20 overs. It is the highest total of the ongoing tournament and the fourth-highest team total in T20 World Cup history.

For Oman, Jiten Ramanandi picked up two wickets, while Odedra and Mehmood claimed one each.

Chasing a daunting 226, Oman were under pressure from the outset. Dushmantha Chameera bowled captain Jatinder Singh in the very first over with a superb delivery. The visitors managed only 36/3 in the powerplay, with Aamir Kaleem and Hammad Mirza also falling for single-digit scores.

Mohammad Nadeem and Wasim Ali tried to steady the innings with a 42-run partnership, but the required rate kept climbing. Nadeem remained unbeaten on 53 off 56 balls, providing the only consolation for Oman.

Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, Maheesh Theekshana stood out, conceding just 11 runs while taking two wickets. Oman eventually finished on 120/9, as Sri Lanka kicked off their World Cup campaign with a resounding 105-run victory.