Sri Lanka defeated a strong Australian team in the T20 World Cup match held at the Pallekele International Stadium yesterday (16) to qualify for the Super Eight round.
The last time Sri Lanka defeated Australia in a T20 World Cup was in 2009. That year, Sri Lanka defeated Australia by 6 wickets in the T20 World Cup held in England.
Pathum Nissanka was able to show excellent performance for Sri Lanka in this match. He came into the field as the opening batsman and built a 100-run partnership for the second wicket with Kusal Mendis. He scored 100 runs off just 52 balls.
Pathum Nissanka’s century was the second fastest century by a Sri Lankan batsman in a T20 match. It also made him the second Sri Lankan batsman to score a century in a T20 World Cup match. He also showed great performance as a fielder and took a brilliant catch to dismiss Glenn Maxwell.
Kusal Mendis, who entered the field after Kusal Perera fell for 1 run as the first wicket for Sri Lanka, scored a quick 51 runs to help Sri Lanka win the match. Pathum Ratnayake scored 28 runs not out to lead Sri Lanka to victory.
Batting first, Australia were all out for 181 runs in their 20 overs. Mitchell Marsh 54, Travis Head 56. Dushan Hemantha 3 for 39.
In reply, Sri Lanka scored 104 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 18 overs. Pathum Nissanka not out 100. Kusal Mendis 51. Pawan Ratnayake 28 not out. Marcus Stoinis bowled 2 for 46.
Man of the match Pathum Nissanka.