Pallekele, Sri Lanka – Web Desk: Sri Lanka defeated Australia by eight wickets in the 30th match of the ICC T20 World Cup, successfully chasing a challenging target to secure qualification for the Super 8 stage.
In Group B action at Pallekele, Pathum Nissanka produced a dominant unbeaten century to guide Sri Lanka to 182 runs in 18 overs for the loss of two wickets. Nissanka remained not out on 100, while Kusal Mendis scored 51 and Kusal Perera made one run. Pawan Rathnayake added an unbeaten 28.
For Australia, Marcus Stoinis claimed two wickets.
Earlier, Australia posted 181 runs after being invited to bat. Travis Head and captain Mitchell Marsh led the scoring with 56 and 54 respectively. Josh Inglis contributed 27, Glenn Maxwell 22, Tim David 6, Marcus Stoinis 4, Cooper Connolly 3, Cameron Green 3, Adam Zampa 1, and Xavier Bartlett was dismissed without scoring.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was led by Dushan Hemanta with three wickets, while Dushmantha Chameera took two. Dunith Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis, and Maheesh Theekshana each picked up one wicket.
The result strengthened Sri Lanka’s position in the tournament and confirmed their progression to the Super 8 round, while Australia suffered a setback in Group B standings.
