AUS vs SL Match 30 T20 WC Highlights: SL Won By 8 Wickets

Sri Lanka produced one of the biggest results of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on February 16 at Pallekele. They chased down a strong Australian total and won by 8 wickets to move closer to qualification.

Australia started strongly with the bat, but a middle order collapse kept the score within reach. Pathum Nissanka then played a memorable innings and guided Sri Lanka home comfortably.

Match Summary

Team	Score	Overs
Australia	181 all out	20
Sri Lanka	184/2	18.0
Result	Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets

Australia Collapse After Blazing Start

Australia dominated the powerplay. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh added more than 100 runs quickly and looked set for a massive total.

Sri Lanka brought spin into the attack and the game changed. The wickets fell in a cluster and Australia lost all 10 wickets for just 77 runs after the opening stand. They finished on 181, which looked competitive but not match winning. (The Financial Express)

Top Batting Performances

Batter	Team	Runs	Balls	4s	6s
Pathum Nissanka*	SL	100*	52	10	4
Kusal Mendis	SL	51	38	6	1
Travis Head	AUS	56	29	7	3
Mitchell Marsh	AUS	54	27	8	2

Sri Lanka Chase Dominated By Nissanka

Sri Lanka chased calmly despite the big target. Nissanka played a perfect anchor role and punished bad balls. Kusal Mendis supported him with a steady half century.

They added a crucial partnership and removed pressure from the chase. Sri Lanka reached the target with two overs remaining and completed a memorable win.

Top Bowling Performances

Bowler	Team	Overs	Runs	Wickets	Econ
Dushan Hemantha	SL	4	37	3	9.20
Dunith Wellalage	SL	4	33	1	8.20
Marcus Stoinis	AUS	4	46	2	11.50

Player of the Match: Pathum Nissanka

Pathum Nissanka won Player of the Match for his unbeaten century. He controlled the chase from start to finish and turned a difficult target into a comfortable victory.

The win pushed Sri Lanka toward the next stage while Australia was left needing other results to stay alive in the tournament.