Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka has described his side’s dominant victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup as one of the team’s finest performances in recent times, after a commanding chase powered by a stunning century from opener Pathum Nissanka. The emphatic eight-wicket win has sealed Sri Lanka’s place in the Super Eights stage and significantly dented Australia’s qualification hopes.
Chasing a challenging target of 182, Sri Lanka completed the run chase in just 18 overs with two wickets down, showcasing aggressive intent and disciplined shot selection. Nissanka led the charge with an unbeaten 100 off 52 balls, while Kusal Mendis contributed a fluent half-century to build a match-winning partnership at the top.
Speaking after the match, Shanaka praised the overall team effort and positive approach despite injury setbacks during the game. He said the performance ranked among the best produced by the side in the recent past and highlighted the team’s confidence and energy on the field.
Nissanka’s Century Sets Up Clinical Chase
Batting second at the Pallekele International Stadium, Sri Lanka made full use of favourable chasing conditions. Nissanka attacked from the start, finding boundaries consistently and maintaining a high strike rate through the powerplay and middle overs. His partnership with Mendis laid the foundation for a smooth chase, keeping the required rate under control throughout.
Nissanka later said the surface suited stroke play and that chasing at the venue is generally easier. He added that he focused on playing to his strengths and capitalising on scoring opportunities, which helped him convert his start into a match-winning hundred.
Injury Concern but Sri Lanka Stay Confident
Sri Lanka suffered a setback while bowling when fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana left the field after pulling up with a hamstring issue in his first over. Shanaka admitted that missing key bowlers is a concern but said the squad remained mentally strong and committed to stepping up collectively.
He noted that the team is already without a frontline spinner and losing another strike bowler mid-match tested their depth, but players maintained high intensity and belief.
Australia Admit They Were Outplayed
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh conceded that his side was second best on the night. He said the total of 181 looked competitive but acknowledged that his team fell short in the closing overs with the bat and could not contain Sri Lanka’s aggressive chase.
Marsh said Australia lost momentum towards the end of their innings and credited Sri Lanka’s bowlers for strong execution at the death. He added that the dressing room was disappointed and emotional, with the team now depending on other results to stay alive in the tournament.
With this result, Sri Lanka move confidently into the Super Eights, while Australia face a tense wait as the group stage race tightens.
