T20 World Cup 2026: Sri Lanka vs Australia, Match 30 – Full highlights, top moments & winner details

Sri Lanka secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Australia in Match No. 30 of Group B on February 16 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium during the T20 World Cup 2026.

Australia posted 181 all out in their 20 overs, with Mitchell Marsh scoring 54 and Travis Head contributing 56. Dushan Hemantha was the pick of the Sri Lanka bowlers, claiming 3/37.

In response, Sri Lanka chased down the target comfortably in 18 overs, finishing at 184/2. Pathum Nissanka starred with an unbeaten 100, while Kusal Mendis added 51. Marcus Stoinis was the best performer for Australia with the ball, finishing with 2/46.

With this win, Sri Lanka booked their place in the Super Eights stage of the tournament.

Top batting performance of the match - Pathum Nissanka

Pathum Nissanka produced a sensational unbeaten 100 off just 52 balls, hitting 10 fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 192.31. He anchored the chase with a 97-run partnership in 66 balls for the second wicket alongside Kusal Mendis, who scored 51. Nissanka then put on a rapid 79-run stand in 34 balls with Pavan Rathnayake for the third wicket, effectively sealing the victory for Sri Lanka.

Top bowling performance of the match: Dushan Hemantha

Dushan Hemantha was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, finishing with impressive figures of 3/37 in four overs at an economy rate of 9.20. He claimed the crucial wickets of Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Glenn Maxwell, halting Australia’s momentum. His game-changing spell came at a vital stage when the Australian openers were well set, allowing Sri Lanka to seize control of the match.

Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved

• Pathum Nissanka smashed a century in just 52 balls, marking the joint second-fastest T20I hundred for Sri Lanka.
• His 100* is also the highest individual score for Sri Lanka in T20 World Cups.
• This was the first T20 World Cup century against Australia.
• Kusal Mendis became the fifth batter to score three consecutive 50+ scores in T20 World Cups.
• Adam Zampa went wicketless in two successive T20Is for the first time since 2024.
• Australia were bowled out after a 100+ opening partnership, only the fourth instance in T20Is.
• Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head became the third Australian opening pair to each score 50+ in a T20 World Cup innings.
• Australia reached 100 runs in 8.2 overs, the fastest team 100 in a T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka.
• It was Australia’s fifth 100+ opening partnership in T20 World Cups, joint-most alongside Pakistan.
• Maheesh Theekshana conceded 35 runs in the Powerplay, the most he has given in that phase in T20Is.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Pathum Nissanka was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten century against Australia. His 100* not only guided Sri Lanka to a comfortable eight-wicket win but also secured their qualification for the Super Eight stage. The innings is also the highest individual score for Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup history.

What is the next match?

Sri Lanka will face Zimbabwe at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on February 19, while Australia will clash with Oman on February 20 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.