COLOMBO : In a stunning display of resilience at Pallekele, Sri Lanka turned a potential disaster into a night of national celebration, defeating Australia by eight wickets and pushing the former champions to the edge of tournament elimination.
The match began with what looked like an Australian masterclass, as Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh hammered the bowling attack to reach 104 without loss in just over eight overs. It was a brutal start that left the local fans quiet, but the game had a dramatic twist waiting in the humid evening air.
The momentum shifted entirely when Sri Lanka’s spinners, led by the clever Dushan Hemantha, began to find grip and turn. What followed was a staggering collapse that saw Australia lose all ten wickets for just 77 runs. The “Men in Yellow” struggled to adapt as the ball slowed down, eventually being bundled out for 181—a score that felt twenty runs short given their explosive start.
When it was Sri Lanka’s turn to bat, Pathum Nissanka took center stage and never left. He played a nearly flawless innings, becoming the first player in this World Cup to reach a century. His unbeaten 100 off 52 balls was a mix of calculated risks and elegant stroke play that effectively silenced the Australian pace attack. Supported by a steady 51 from Kusal Mendis, Nissanka ensured there were no jitters in the chase, guiding his team home with two overs to spare.
This victory is more than just a win; it secures Sri Lanka’s spot in the Super Eights and leaves Australia’s fate in the hands of others. Having already lost to Zimbabwe, the Aussies now face a nervous wait, knowing their World Cup journey might be over before the business end even begins.
