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Match 30, ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2026
SL
184/2 (18.0)
AUS
181 (20.0)
Sri Lanka beat Australia by 8 wickets
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Match 30, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
, Feb 16, 2026
% Chance to Win
SL
AUS
Inn Break
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History awaits on Tuesday! Congratulations Sri Lanka. After being eliminated in the group stage in the 2024 edition, they will take a lot of heart from the fact that they have made it to the Super 8s in this one. Also, the last time the tournament was held in Sri Lanka, in 2012, they ended up as the finalists. This time, they are the co hosts, but will hope for something similar or even better. So this is how the Super Eight stage looks like right now. Group X - India, West Indies and South Africa | Group Y - England and Sri Lanka. If Zimbabwe win on Tuesday, they will take the fourth team's spot in Group X and Australia will be knocked out. Tuesday, 17th February, 2026, sees another triple header. New Zealand have a chance to lock their Super Eight spot as they take on Canada in Chennai in a morning match (5.30 am GMT). In the afternoon, in Pallekele, history could be witnessed as Zimbabwe have a chance to make it to the Super Eight for the first time in a Men's T20 World Cup on pure merit. Their match against Ireland is scheduled to begin at 9.30 am GMT. Then, in the evening, we shall witness the first dead rubber of this edition, with Nepal taking on Scotland for pride at the Wankhede, with the first ball set to be bowled at 1.30 pm GMT. As always, our build up will begin well in advance. So do tune in early. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
'Go Ireland!' So screams Mark Howard jokingly on air. It was a magnificent win over Ireland to start their campaign but the cookie has crumbled since for the Aussies. What seemed like a shock loss to Zimbabwe has turned into a catastrophe after this Lankan drubbing and now, they can only wait, watch and hope. They play their last league match against Oman, but it is also the last match of the league stage, on Friday, 20th February, 2026. Their campaign could come to an end even before they play that match. Zimbabwe are due to play Ireland on Tuesday and if the Chevrons win that match, they will become the second team alongside Sri Lanka to join the Super Eights, from Group B. If Ireland manage to win that clash, then there is another match for Zimbabwe, this time against Sri Lanka, on 19th February, 2026. If the Rhodesians lose that as well, then, it will come down to a net run rate scenario with Australia needing to manage to beat Oman by a significant margin. Too much to ask for, isn't it? Maybe, Australia might want to ask Pakistan how did they pray when the T20 World Cup was held on Aussie soil in 2022. Almost relegated, they came through a miraculous backdoor entry and qualified for the final.
Hope we make it to the semis - The victorious captain of Sri Lanka, DASUN SHANAKA, calls this as one of the best performances by Sri Lanka in the recent past and is very happy with the win. On being asked as to what was said post the Powerplay in the first innings and how did they manage to gather themselves, Shanaka says that the players were very positive despite losing Matheesha Pathirana early. Adds that they knew about the wicket as well. Praises the unit stating that each and every one showed a very high body language and it is a big plus point, adding that everyone wanted to contribute. Is happy with the way the team pulled things back. On Wanindu Hasaranga probably not missed in this match, Dasun reiterates that they are definitely missing Hasaranga and now possibly, will miss Pathirana as well. However, he quickly adds that they are lucky that they have got replacements. Praises Dushan Hemantha who delivered in this game. Adds that no one can control injuries but the team needs to take the good things from here. Goes onto say that it was Pathum Nissanka's turn in this match but the management and the squad knew that he was due for a big knock. Hopes that he continues this way further in the tournament. Shanaka is now asked whether does the pitch always behave like this in Pallekele, looking way too different across innings, to which, the reply is that not really. He states that when Australia were going great guns, his side was confident. Adds that the boundaries are comparatively short here and the Lankans knew they could keep the Kangaroos to around 170-180. On the feeling of having a 'Q' against their name, Dasun replies that it feels wonderful. Details that after many years, they are finally making it to the next round. Stresses that Sri Lanka are a good team and hopes that they will make it to the semis as well. Ends his speech in Sinhalese and I presume, he means to thanks the crowd for supporting his side in large numbers.
In the lap of the Gods now - The skipper of Australia, MITCHELL MARSH, has a forlorn look on his face. On his thoughts regarding the score of 181 at the halfway mark, Marsh replies saying that the Aussies felt that it was a competitive total. However, he also admits that the batters probably left themselves a few runs short given the start they had. But sportingly gives full marks to Sri Lanka for the way they played. On being asked to describe more about how many runs did they feel they were short by, Mitch actually plays around the question. Says that when the Aussie batters are at their best, they make big scores but they lost their way at the back end in this match. Explains that they could barely get much going as the Lankans bowled brilliantly. Closes the question by saying that there is nothing much else to say other than Sri Lanka outplaying his side. On the Aussies watching the Zimbabwe-Ireland game, the Bison seems to give a twitch, as if to hide his thoughts. Shrugs his shoulders and says that Australia's future is in the lap of the Gods now. Adds that there is not much emotion in the dressing room. Stresses that they have not been at their best. Eventually, does answer the question stating that the players will watch the Zim-Ire clash, but are very disappointed at the moment.
Player Of The Match - For his magnificent unbeaten 100 (52), registering the first century of this World Cup, Sri Lanka's PATHUM NISSANKA has been adjudged the PLAYER OF THE MATCH. He calls upon Jehan Mubarak for translation, who is actually the coach of the Sri Lankan Under-19 side, but has been with this group in this tournament. On being asked about his knock, Nissanka says that the wicket was very good and he just played his normal game. Adds that he is happy to get a hundred and his team home. The next question is whether he had to play any differently, to which, Pathum replies that they wanted a good Powerplay with the bat and he managed to string a decent partnership with Kusal Mendis. After that, the pair just tried to continue the innings and seeing it through. On whether the pitch became better in the second innings, PN says that it becomes a bit easier for chasing in Pallekele and this wicket did seem to get better. On the dew factor, Pathum Nissanka says that there was not that much dew. On being asked to sum up his innings, Nissanka says that he was just waiting for the ball to come to his strengths and then hit it for boundaries.
... THE PRESENTATION ...
Probably more than a cliche - They say, lightning does not strike the same place twice. History may or may not repeat itself. Let's take you back a bit earlier in history. 2011, Pallekele. Sri Lanka had huffed and puffed their way to 157/9 and in reply, Australia were 71/0 in 5.4 overs. Shane Watson was dismissed by Ajantha Mendis and from 71/0, needing 87 runs in 86 balls, the Aussies could make only 78 runs and lost 9 wickets. Ajantha Mendis took 6 of those wickets. Now, back to present. 2026, Pallekele. Australia were 104/0 after 8.2 overs. Travis Head was dismissed and the Aussies could manage only 77 runs in the next 70 balls, losing all their 10 wickets, 6 of those to spin. Spin has been an achilles heel for the Kangaroos for quite a while now but they just can't seem to be able to do anything about it. Very recently, they were whitewashed by Pakistan and in the batting department at least, they cannot say that it is inexperienced. After the two openers, only Inglis and Maxwell could reach double figures, with no one actually even wanting to stay in the middle and forge a partnership. Please stay tuned for the presentation.
The best League in the world - This is why, the IPL is so important for cricket. It shapes up cricketers, not just from India, but from around the world as well. Remember, Nathan Ellis has represented the Punjab Kings in the past and that's where he developed his lovely death-bowling skills. Sri Lanka have got some advantage too. Matheesha Pathirana is a well-known product but this is Chameera 2.0. He seemed to be going down in his career but his stint with the Lucknow Super Giants in 2022 really changed him totally. Come 2026, he is a much experienced and a better version of his previous self and if you need any more proof, you just need to revisit his last couple of overs and that wicket of Josh Inglis, where he changed his pace brilliantly. Sri Lanka were a bowler down as early as the third over, but they rallied around and came back strongly post the opening partnership. The spinners choked the Aussies with Dushan Hemantha picking up the most number of wickets - 3.
Don't know what to say, don't know don't know what to say - Could the Aussies have done any better in the second innings? Yes, picked up 8 more wickets. Jokes apart, given the experience of THIS attack, not much. In the absence of 'The Big Three', this bowling attack just does not have the experience of bowling in Asian conditions. Adam Zampa is probably the only one but he was put under pressure from the first ball he bowled and even he came under pressure. The likes of Bartlett and Ellis are good, but not too experienced in sub-continental conditions. Nathan Ellis is improving a lot, but he will need to play at least a couple of more seasons of the IPL to get to the level of a Hazlewood or a Cummins. The one main difference which could be seen is the lack of change of pace by the Aussie bowlers. It is not like they don't do it, but don't have enough practice to do it consistently with the wet ball. In the end, Stoinis did get a couple of wickets, but it will be fair enough to say that he is way past his prime with both bat and ball.
The Love for Yellow - Pathum Nissanka Silva. What a player. One for the ages, who plays phenomenally in all three formats for the game. In the shortest format, he loves the Aussies, amassing 397 runs, at an average of 39.7 and a strike rate of 121.4. Those 397 are the second most in his career, behind 421 vs India. In this match, he started with a bang. When the length was short, Nissanka cut, punched and pulled. When the length was pitched up, he played on the up and went over the top. He made good use of the broom as well, sweeping the spinners off their lengths. And that was not all. He used the depth of his crease well and played the paddle and pick-up shots beautifully against the seamers too. He reached his second century in T20Is, in just 52 balls, which included 10 fours and 5 sixes. And en route, Nissanka also recorded the first century in this edition of the World Cup. Pathum's wagonwheel saw him play all around the ground. As much as we say that the conditions supported the batters in the second innings, we cannot take anything away from how the Lankan pair of Nissanka and Mendis batted.
Dew a factor? Definitely, it was. The pitch seemed to change a lot across the two innings and even though Australia will be kicking themselves for throwing away a wonderful platform from 104/0 in the 9th over, batting first, after the Powerplay, seemed to get a lot difficult. So maybe, the toss played a pivotal role, but nothing can be taken away from Nissanka and Mendis. 2016 - it was a Test match in Sri Lanka, also in Pallekele and the world came to know who was Kusal Mendis. Staring at a big first innings deficit, he turned the match around, by attacking Mitchell Starc in the Lankan second innings, taking his side to a winning position. He has not yet translated that in the T20I format, but in this game, he was excellent, playing a wonderful foil to Nissanka.
No answer - In normal scenarios, 182 is a pretty difficult target to achieve. And when Australia dismissed Kusal Perera in the second over, that target seemed even bigger. But what happened next was totally unexpected. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis counterattacked from the word go and their 97-run stand for the second wicket set things up nicely. Mitchell Marsh kept throwing the ball to different bowlers, using 6 options, but no one had any answer on how to stop the juggernaut. Mendis was eventually dismissed for 51 but even after that, there was barely any chance offered.
Super 8, here we come! It might be a Monday, but the stands in Pallekele are jam packed. They might have been quiet when the first 10 overs of the match were going on, but at the end of the game, they are hustling and bustling with joy, as they celebrate their love for their country, becoming the fifth team to qualify for the Super Eight stage of the 2026 edition. West Indies, India, South Africa, England and now, Sri Lanka. Australia have been shellacked and have one foot back home. What about Zimbabwe? One foot in? If Zimbabwe beat Ireland in their next match, Australia will be bouncing back home!
End Of The Over 18 : 184/2
15 Runs
- 417.1
- 017.2
- 417.3
- 217.4
- 117.5
- 417.6
P. Rathnayake
28 (15)
P. Nissanka
100 (52)
A. Zampa
4-0-41-0
17.6
4
Adam Zampa To Pavan Rathnayake
FOUR! SRI LANKA WIN BY 8 WICKETS AND QUALIFY FOR THE SUPER 8s! Full, around middle, Pavan Rathnayake gets down on a knee and sweeps it behind square leg for a boundary!
17.5
1
Adam Zampa To Pathum Nissanka
THE FIRST CENTURY OF THE 2026 T20 WORLD CUP! Second ton for Nissanka in T20Is as well. Pallekele is on its feet. The coach loves it, his country loves it and Nissanka is standing in the middle, with his helmet off and arms aloft! Just 52 balls for his century, comprising of 10 fours and 5 sixes. What a knock. Take a bow. Gets there with a gentle pull through mid on for a single.
17.4
2
Adam Zampa To Pathum Nissanka
Fuller, around off, Nissanka leans and scoops it over the bowler, down to long on. Rathnayake charges back for the second for his partner. Nissanka on 99!
Wow. This is getting exciting. Sri Lanka need 5 to win, Nissanka needs 3 for a century!
17.3
4
Adam Zampa To Pathum Nissanka
FOUR! Just toying around with the field! Full in length, and a googly turning into the stumps, Pathum Nissanka drops to a knee and sweeps it powerfully through square leg, beating deep square leg to his left for a cracking four.
17.2
0
Adam Zampa To Pathum Nissanka
Sharp turn, full and on off, Pathum Nissanka uses the depth of the crease and dabs it to backward point.
17.1
4
Adam Zampa To Pathum Nissanka
FOUR! Nissanka moves into the 90s. Zampa dishes out a leg break, full and on middle, Pathum Nissanka gets down on a knee and sweeps it aerially. It goes one bounce into the fence at deep backward square leg. Sri Lanka need 9 more off 17 balls.
Final over of the game? With the way this chase has taken shape, seems highly likely! Adam Zampa to probably finish things off. Sri Lanka need 13, Nissanka needs 11!
End Of The Over 17 : 169/2
18 Runs
- 116.1
- 116.2
- 216.3
- 616.4
- 1 WD 16.5
- 616.5
- 116.6
P. Nissanka
89 (47)
P. Rathnayake
24 (14)
N. Ellis
3-0-32-0
16.6
1
Nathan Ellis To Pathum Nissanka
Full and wide outside off, Pathum slashes this to deep point for one. 18 from the over, 48 in the last 3!
16.5
6
Nathan Ellis To Pathum Nissanka
SIX! CHEEKY! Full, around middle and off, Nissanka gets down and across and laps this beautifully over fine leg! 14 more needed now!
16.5
wd
Nathan Ellis To Pathum Nissanka
WIDE. Ellis goes fuller, but this is miles outside off. Left alone.
16.4
6
Nathan Ellis To Pathum Nissanka
SIX! Nissanka and Sri Lanka are unstoppable! A short ball, following the batter down the leg side, Nissanka backs away to the leg side and throws his bat at it. Connects well and sends this flying over deep backward point!
16.3
2
Nathan Ellis To Pathum Nissanka
Full and outside off, Pathum Nissanka leans into it and drills it to long off for a brace. Steve Smith, who is on as a substitute, charges in but fumbles on the first attempt, which allows the batters to cross over again. This also brings up the 50-run partnership between Nissanka and Rathnayake.
16.2
1
Nathan Ellis To Pavan Rathnayake
Ellis slows it up again, full and around off, from around the stump. Pavan Rathnayake covers the line by shuffling a bit across and drills it to deep mid-wicket for an easy single.
16.1
1
Nathan Ellis To Pathum Nissanka
Slower short ball, on off, Nissanka pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.
End Of The Over 16 : 151/2
10 Runs
- 115.1
- 115.2
- 015.3
- 415.4
- 015.5
- 415.6
P. Rathnayake
23 (13)
P. Nissanka
73 (42)
G. Maxwell
2-0-16-0
15.6
4
Glenn Maxwell To Pavan Rathnayake
FOUR! Lucky escape again! Fired, on middle, Pavan Rathnayake comes down the track but is not to the pitch of the ball. He looks to flick but the ball goes off the inside edge, past the keeper and it races through fine leg.
15.5
0
Glenn Maxwell To Pavan Rathnayake
RATHNAYAKE SURVIVES A STUMPING APPEAL. One can say, by the barest of margins. Flighted, outside off, Rathnayake gets down and looks to defend but is drawn forward. The keeper collects the ball and whips the bails off and appeals. The square leg umpire refers this upstairs and the replay shows this to be tight. The third umpire takes a couple of looks and decides that there is something behind the line. Oooff... looks very close.
Stumping appeal. Inglis is confident and it has been referred upstairs. Ummm... just in.
15.4
4
Glenn Maxwell To Pavan Rathnayake
FOUR! FETCH THAT! Full, outside off, Pavan Rathnayake gets down on a knee and sweeps this powerfully over mid-wicket. Flat and one bounce into the ropes!
15.3
0
Glenn Maxwell To Pavan Rathnayake
Quicker ball, on the stumps, Pavan Rathnayake gets on his knee and smashes it with a flat bat, but straight to Maxwell who stops it in his followthrough, to his left.
15.2
1
Glenn Maxwell To Pathum Nissanka
Across the batter, on a length, Pathum Nissanka hangs deep in the crease and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
15.1
1
Glenn Maxwell To Pavan Rathnayake
Short and flat, outside off, Pavan chop-cuts it to deep point for a single.
End Of The Over 15 : 141/2
20 Runs
- 414.1
- 114.2
- 414.3
- 014.4
- 1 WD 14.5
- 414.5
- 614.6
P. Nissanka
72 (41)
P. Rathnayake
14 (8)
M. Stoinis
4-0-46-2
14.6
6
Marcus Stoinis To Pathum Nissanka
SIX! FEROCIOUS! Short, outside off, Nisaanka rocks back and heaves it over mid-wicket for a biggie!
14.5
4
Marcus Stoinis To Pathum Nissanka
FOUR! Third boundary of the over! Sri Lanka are rocketing home now. On a length, around off, Nissanka heaves it over the bowler and gets a boundary down the ground!
14.5
wd
Marcus Stoinis To Pathum Nissanka
WIDE. Slower ball goes awry. Full and down the leg side, Nissanka gets down to sweep but misses.
14.4
0
Marcus Stoinis To Pathum Nissanka
A bouncer, outside off, Pathum Nissanka jumps down the track and slashes hard but misses.
14.3
4
Marcus Stoinis To Pathum Nissanka
FOUR! Such a good shot! On a back of a length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka waits for it to arrive and dabs it off the back foot, to the right of short third and it races to the fence.
14.2
1
Marcus Stoinis To Pavan Rathnayake
On a length, on the pads, whipped off the back foot to deep backward square leg for a single.
14.1
4
Marcus Stoinis To Pavan Rathnayake
FOUR! Up and over! A gentle-paced delivery, full and outside off, Pavan Rathnayake lifts it over extra cover for a boundary. An error ball from Stoinis with mid off and cover in the ring.
DRINKS BREAK. 61 needed in 6 overs. This is a total mockery of a pretty decent score of 181. The Aussies are looking short of options and one can understand why they were going hammer and tongs while batting first. Even 220 looks under threat in these conditions.
End Of The Over 14 : 121/2
8 Runs
- 113.1
- 013.2
- 113.3
- 213.4
- 013.5
- 413.6
P. Nissanka
58 (37)
P. Rathnayake
9 (6)
A. Zampa
3-0-26-0
13.6
4
Adam Zampa To Pathum Nissanka
FOUR! Quality shot. Tossed up, full and outside off, Pathum Nissanka shimmies down, meets it on the pitch and lofts it straight back over the bowler for four.
13.5
0
Adam Zampa To Pathum Nissanka
BEATEN! Skids through and stays on a length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka tries to play the late cut, but misses.
13.4
2
Adam Zampa To Pathum Nissanka
Full, outside the off stump. Nissanka shimmies forward and nudges it through square leg for a brace.
13.3
1
Adam Zampa To Pavan Rathnayake
Short and on off, Pavan drags it across to wide long on for a single.
13.2
0
Adam Zampa To Pavan Rathnayake
Full toss outside off, Pavan Rathnayake charges down and drives it straight to short extra cover. He will feel that he missed out.
13.1
1
Adam Zampa To Pathum Nissanka
Flat and full, outside off, Pathum plays it very late and dabs it to the left of short third for a single.
End Of The Over 13 : 113/2
9 Runs
- 112.1
- W 12.2
- 412.3
- 412.4
- 012.5
- 012.6
P. Rathnayake
8 (4)
P. Nissanka
51 (33)
M. Stoinis
3-0-26-2
12.6
0
Marcus Stoinis To Pavan Rathnayake
Play and a miss! On a hard length outside off. Rathnayake flashes and misses it on the outside edge as the ball kicks up and breezes past his blade.
12.5
0
Marcus Stoinis To Pavan Rathnayake
On a good length, outside off, steered off the back foot to backward point.
12.4
4
Marcus Stoinis To Pavan Rathnayake
FOUR! Short of a length outside off. Rathnayake is late on the cut and gets a thick outside edge, which flies between the keeper and short third for a boundary.
12.3
4
Marcus Stoinis To Pavan Rathnayake
FOUR! Not in control, but in the gap! A bit full and outside off, holds on the surface slightly, Pavan Rathnayake chips it uppishly, but in the gap at cover and it races away to the ropes.
Pavan Rathnayake walks in next, at number 4, replacing Kusal Mendis.
12.2
W
Marcus Stoinis To Kusal Mendis OUT!
OUT! TAKEN! Pallekele goes silent as Stoinis breaks the 97-run partnership for the second wicket. Length ball on middle at 130.9 kph, Kusal Mendis looks to go big with a front foot heave but miscues it towards the longer side of the boundary. It goes high but not far, and Cooper Connolly settles under it at the edge of the boundary to take it safely in the deep mid-wicket region.
12.1
1
Marcus Stoinis To Pathum Nissanka
Fuller and around off, punched in front of cover for a quick single. Smith, the sub fielder, collects the ball.
End Of The Over 12 : 104/1
6 Runs
- 111.1
- 111.2
- 111.3
- 211.4
- 111.5
- 011.6
K. Mendis
51 (37)
P. Nissanka
50 (32)
G. Maxwell
1-0-6-0
11.6
0
Glenn Maxwell To Kusal Mendis
Good length on the stumps, Glenn Maxwell gets extra bounce. Kusal Mendis shuffles across, goes for the paddle on one knee, but gloves it to short fine.
11.5
1
Glenn Maxwell To Pathum Nissanka
FIFTY FOR PATHUM NISSANKA NOW! Off just 32 balls. On a length on the stumps at 96.9 kph, Pathum Nissanka hangs back and works it through mid-wicket for a single. A slight hesitation at the start, but it ends well for him and Sri Lanka as they cross strikes. 19th T20I fifty for Nissanka. He has been simply brilliant in this chase so far.
11.4
2
Glenn Maxwell To Pathum Nissanka
Full and outside off, Pathum Nissanka drops to a knee and sweeps it to deep square leg for a couple of runs.
11.3
1
Glenn Maxwell To Kusal Mendis
Short of a length on the stumps. Mendis hangs back and clips it to deep backward square leg for a single.
11.2
1
Glenn Maxwell To Pathum Nissanka
A touch short, spinning in sharply, tucked into the leg side for a single. 100 UP FOR SRI LANKA!
11.1
1
Glenn Maxwell To Kusal Mendis
FIFTY FOR KUSAL MENDIS! His third consecutive half century in this World Cup. Pushed through, full and on middle, Mendis lunges in front and clips it to widish long on for a single. The players and the coaches in the Sri Lankan dugout are up on their feet.
End Of The Over 11 : 98/1
5 Runs
- 110.1
- 110.2
- 110.3
- 110.4
- 110.5
- 010.6
P. Nissanka
46 (29)
K. Mendis
49 (34)
N. Ellis
2-0-14-0
10.6
0
Nathan Ellis To Pathum Nissanka
Full again, outside off, Pathum Nissanka leans on and knocks it straight to Mitchell Marsh stationed at extra cover. A quiet over from Australia's point of view. Just 5 from it. Sri Lanka need 84 runs from 54 balls.
10.5
1
Nathan Ellis To Kusal Mendis
At pace now, full and outside off, Kusal Mendis gets on the front foot and drives it all along the carpet to deep cover for one more.
10.4
1
Nathan Ellis To Pathum Nissanka
Ellis pulls his length back and goes pace off again, at 112.5 kph. Pathum Nissanka presses back and pulls it to deep square leg for a run.
10.3
1
Nathan Ellis To Kusal Mendis
The back-of-the-hand slower ball at just 113.6 kph, full and around off, Kusal Mendis waits and then eases it through covers for a single.
A bit of a halt in play. Pathum Nissanka has been hit flush near the ankle bone and he has taken his pads off, and even the shoe and the socks. The physio is out in the middle but the good thing is that Nissanka is not in agony. A single spray of the magic spray should numb the pain. All in readiness now and Pathum sports a smile as well.
10.2
1
Nathan Ellis To Pathum Nissanka
A big shout for LBW, but not given. Regardless, that's a top nut. A pinpoint yorker, tails in late on the leg stump line. Pathum Nissanka's head falls over as he tries to jam the bat down to carve it to the leg side, but gets a faint inside edge on the right ankle before the ball trickles to the backward square leg region. The batters take the single but then Pathum goes down on the ground and looks in a lot of pain.
10.1
1
Nathan Ellis To Kusal Mendis
Full and on the pads, Mendis wrists it to deep square leg for a single.
Halfway stage of the run chase. Australia are ahead but the game seems to be slipping at a quick rate from them here. The ball is coming onto the bat nicely and they are just not able to stop the flow of runs. Nathan Ellis returns. 1-0-9-0 so far.
End Of The Over 10 : 93/1
8 Runs
- 19.1
- 29.2
- 19.3
- 19.4
- 09.5
- 39.6
K. Mendis
46 (31)
P. Nissanka
44 (26)
A. Zampa
2-0-18-0
9.6
3
Adam Zampa To Kusal Mendis
Another piece of excellent fielding! Short and wide, Kusal hops back and cuts it past backward point, but Nathan Ellis races across to his left and dives to save a run. The replay shows that it is a clean effort.
9.5
0
Adam Zampa To Kusal Mendis
Around off, pushed to cover.
9.4
1
Adam Zampa To Pathum Nissanka
Loopy delivery around off, right in the blockhole, Pathum Nissanka squeezes it to the right of backward point for a single.
9.3
1
Adam Zampa To Kusal Mendis
This time, Mendis sweeps the full ball in front of square to deep mid-wicket for a single.
9.2
2
Adam Zampa To Kusal Mendis
Top effort in the deep! Fraction fuller, on middle, Mendis sweeps it by getting down on a knee. The ball rolls between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket. The former fielder dives to his left and palms the ball to the converging fielder from the latter position. Two taken.
9.1
1
Adam Zampa To Pathum Nissanka
Looped up full and on off, Pathum Nissanka advances and runs it down to long off for a single.
End Of The Over 9 : 85/1
9 Runs
- 18.1
- 08.2
- 48.3
- 08.4
- 08.5
- 48.6
K. Mendis
40 (27)
P. Nissanka
42 (24)
C. Connolly
3-0-27-0
8.6
4
Cooper Connolly To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! Excellent shot! Full around leg at 93.9 kph, Kusal Mendis drops to one knee and sweeps it firmly behind square on the on side for four.
8.5
0
Cooper Connolly To Kusal Mendis
Flatter around off. Mendis rocks back and guides it to short third.
8.4
0
Cooper Connolly To Kusal Mendis
An in-drifter on a fuller length, sliding on the leg stump and probably going down. Kusal Mendis misses to sweep and the ball thumps the front pad. Cooper appeals for LBW, but it is not given by the umpire. Marsh has a chat with his bowler, but they decide not to review it. Australia have just one review remaining. And the Ball Tracking later shows that the wickets are umpire's call. So, even if Australia had reviewed it, their review would have been safe, but the on-field decision would not have changed.
8.3
4
Cooper Connolly To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! Sri Lanka keep marching on! Cooper lands it full and on off, Kusal Mendis shimmies down the track, plays with the spin and lofts it inside out over cover-point for a boundary.
8.2
0
Cooper Connolly To Kusal Mendis
Shortish delivery, around off, Kusal cuts it to backward point.
8.1
1
Cooper Connolly To Pathum Nissanka
Short and outside off, width offered. Cut away off the back foot to deep point for a single.
Time for Maxwell? Nope. Connolly continues.
End Of The Over 8 : 76/1
10 Runs
- 47.1
- 17.2
- 17.3
- 07.4
- 07.5
- 47.6
K. Mendis
32 (22)
P. Nissanka
41 (23)
A. Zampa
1-0-10-0
7.6
4
Adam Zampa To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! Into the gap! A short leg break, on middle and leg. Kusal Mendis uses the depth of the crease and pulls it to the leg side, bisecting long on and deep mid-wicket for a boundary. 10 from Zampa's first over.
7.5
0
Adam Zampa To Kusal Mendis
Quicker at 96.1 kph, short and outside off, Mendis tries to cut it through the gap, but finds short third.
7.4
0
Adam Zampa To Kusal Mendis
Zampa drags the length back, around off, Kusal goes deep in the crease and punches it to short cover.
7.3
1
Adam Zampa To Pathum Nissanka
A touch short, on middle, sliding in, Pathum Nissanka nudges it to long on for a single.
7.2
1
Adam Zampa To Kusal Mendis
Nicely tossed up, full and around off, Kusal runs it down to long off for a single.
7.1
4
Adam Zampa To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! Welcome to the attack, mate. A bit of a loosener to start with, short and on middle. Kusal Mendis rocks back and slaps it with a pull shot to the deep mid-wicket and long on gap for a boundary.
Will Stoinis get another? He won't as it is Adam Zampa time.
End Of The Over 7 : 66/1
5 Runs
- 16.1
- 16.2
- 06.3
- 16.4
- 16.5
- 16.6
K. Mendis
23 (17)
P. Nissanka
40 (22)
C. Connolly
2-0-18-0
6.6
1
Cooper Connolly To Kusal Mendis
Bowled into the batter at 94.9 kph, a touch full and on middle. Mendis makes room by backing away and eases it between cover and point for a single.
6.5
1
Cooper Connolly To Pathum Nissanka
Connolly slides one onto the pads, on a fuller length, Pathum clips it to short fine leg for a single.
6.4
1
Cooper Connolly To Kusal Mendis
Full and tossed up around off, Kusal Mendis carves it to pierce the cover gap, but Mitchell Marsh dives to his right and cuts the ball, half stopping and parrying it to mid off for a single.
6.3
0
Cooper Connolly To Kusal Mendis
A bit fuller, on middle, drifts in with the arm, Kusal Mendis pushes at it, and gets an inside edge on the boot.
6.2
1
Cooper Connolly To Pathum Nissanka
Loopy full toss, on leg, Pathum Nissanka drills it inside out to widish long off for a single.
6.1
1
Cooper Connolly To Kusal Mendis
Flat and full, on off, Kusal presses in front and stabs it to cover-point for a single.
DRINKS BREAK. 35 runs in the last 3 overs for Sri Lanka have flipped the momentum in their favor. They are 61/1 at the end of the Powerplay, and at the same stage, Australia were 70/0. So nothing really separates both teams right now. Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka have displayed a very positive intent after the first wicket, which has prevented them from getting into a defensive shell. The pressure is on Australia to keep chipping away at the wickets. And as the field spreads, Cooper Connolly (1-0-13-0) will continue from this end.
End Of The Over 6 : 61/1
13 Runs
- 45.1
- 05.2
- 15.3
- 05.4
- 45.5
- 45.6
P. Nissanka
38 (20)
K. Mendis
20 (13)
M. Stoinis
2-0-17-1
5.6
4
Marcus Stoinis To Pathum Nissanka
FOUR! Edged, but just past the keeper! On a hard length, outside off, Pathum flashes hard at it, and gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies to the right of the keeper. Josh Inglis flies to that direction, but the ball just evades his gloves before running behind to the fence.
5.5
4
Marcus Stoinis To Pathum Nissanka
FOUR! A shot of real authority! On a back of a length, on top of the sticks, Pathum Nissanka stays back and pulls it between deep mid-wicket and long on for a boundary.
5.4
0
Marcus Stoinis To Pathum Nissanka
Stoinis flirts with the tramline, outside off on a fuller length, Pathum leaves.
5.3
1
Marcus Stoinis To Kusal Mendis
Full and on middle, Kusal flicks to get it past mid-wicket and mid on, but Maxwell dives to his right from mid on and cuts it off. Just a single or else it was running away.
5.2
0
Marcus Stoinis To Kusal Mendis
A sharp bumper, over middle, Kusal ducks under it.
5.1
4
Marcus Stoinis To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! Shot! Back of a length around fifth stump at 130.1 kph, Kusal Mendis opens the face and steers it neatly through the gap between backward point and short third for four.
Marcus Stoinis is back on. 1-0-4-1 so far. He replaces Nathan Ellis.
End Of The Over 5 : 48/1
13 Runs
- 14.1
- 04.2
- 04.3
- 64.4
- 24.5
- 44.6
P. Nissanka
30 (17)
K. Mendis
15 (10)
C. Connolly
1-0-13-0
4.6
4
Cooper Connolly To Pathum Nissanka
FOUR! Brilliantly done! Short of a length around off at 98.4 kph, Pathum Nissanka rocks back and carves it through the gap between backward point and short third for four.
4.5
2
Cooper Connolly To Pathum Nissanka
Length ball on middle and leg, Pathum Nissanka nudges it neatly towards deep mid-wicket and comes back for a couple.
4.4
6
Cooper Connolly To Pathum Nissanka
SIX! KABOOM! Arm ball on a probing length around fifth stump, Pathum Nissanka shuffles across and executes a daring reverse sweep, getting it airborne and clearing the deep third fence for a six.
4.3
0
Cooper Connolly To Pathum Nissanka
Arm ball on a length around middle and leg. 95.6 kph. Nissanka defends it to cover.
4.2
0
Cooper Connolly To Pathum Nissanka
Full around middle and leg. Nissanka drives it back to the bowler.
4.1
1
Cooper Connolly To Kusal Mendis
Around the wicket. Full toss angling down the leg side. Mendis looks to play the sweep shot behind square on the leg side. He hits it from the toe end to the right of mid on for a single.
Cooper Connolly is into the attack now.
End Of The Over 4 : 35/1
9 Runs
- 13.1
- 03.2
- 03.3
- 63.4
- 1 WD 3.5
- 03.5
- 13.6
K. Mendis
14 (9)
P. Nissanka
18 (12)
N. Ellis
1-0-9-0
3.6
1
Nathan Ellis To Kusal Mendis
That back-of-the-hand slower ball, full and on off, Mendis presses forward and dabs it in front of point for a quick single.
3.5
0
Nathan Ellis To Kusal Mendis
AUSTRALIA LOSE A REVIEW! On a back of a length, zoning in on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis tries to whip it across the line, but gets rapped on the front thigh pad. A massive appeal goes around from the Aussies for LBW, but the umpire is unmoved. Mitchell Marsh runs to Ellis and after a chat, sends it upstairs for a review. No bat involved as the replay itself shows a clear gap between the bat and the pad. All the Australian players head back to their fielding spots before the Ball Tracking loads up. It finally comes and shows the ball projected to miss the leg stump. Australia lose one of their two reviews.
3.5
wd
Nathan Ellis To Kusal Mendis
WIDE! Far outside off, on a fullish length, Mendis lets it be. Wide called.
3.4
6
Nathan Ellis To Kusal Mendis
SIX! Packed and dispatched! Ellis goes full and onto the pads. Kusal Mendis gets inside the line and whips it aerially, and deposits it into the stands behind long leg. That has travelled many a mile.
3.3
0
Nathan Ellis To Kusal Mendis
Ellis hits the deck hard, skids through on off, Kusal Mendis tries to jam it back at the bowler, but gets an inside edge on the pads before the ball rolls back to Ellis.
3.2
0
Nathan Ellis To Kusal Mendis
At pace now, full in length, on middle, Mendis flicks it to short mid-wicket.
3.1
1
Nathan Ellis To Pathum Nissanka
A slower one to begin with, full and on the pads, Nissanka whips it wide of short fine leg for a single.
Nathan Ellis replaces Marcus Stoinis.
End Of The Over 3 : 26/1
14 Runs
- 42.1
- 42.2
- 02.3
- 02.4
- 1 WD 2.5
- 12.5
- 42.6
K. Mendis
7 (4)
P. Nissanka
17 (11)
X. Bartlett
2-0-22-0
2.6
4
Xavier Bartlett To Kusal Mendis
FOUR! Elegant placement! On a back of a length, around off. Kusal waits on it, opens the bat face late and finds the gap between short third and backward point for a boundary.
2.5
1
Xavier Bartlett To Pathum Nissanka
Slammed hard into the pitch, over middle, Nissanka swivels and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a run.
2.5
wd
Xavier Bartlett To Pathum Nissanka
WIDE! Bartlett tries the slower one, but misfires it down leg, full in length. Pathum Nissanka tries to whip it but misses.
2.4
0
Xavier Bartlett To Pathum Nissanka
Nice and full, on off, Nissanka tries to force the drive to cover, but inside edges it onto the back pad as the ball jags back in a touch.
2.3
0
Xavier Bartlett To Pathum Nissanka
Good gas! At 136.3 kph. On a back of a length, angling into the bodyline. Pathum Nissanka hops off and drops it down the pitch.
2.2
4
Xavier Bartlett To Pathum Nissanka
FOUR! Two in two for Pathum! A bit too straight and short by Xavier, on a good length. Pathum Nissanka uses the pace, stays put and helps it to deep fine leg for a boundary.
2.1
4
Xavier Bartlett To Pathum Nissanka
FOUR! Not convincingly timed, but effective enough! Fuller and on middle and off, Nissanka walks down the track and heaves it to over and to the left of mid on for a boundary.
End Of The Over 2 : 12/1
4 Runs
- 01.1
- W 1.2
- 11.3
- 11.4
- 21.5
- 01.6
K. Mendis
3 (3)
P. Nissanka
8 (6)
M. Stoinis
1-0-4-1
1.6
0
Marcus Stoinis To Kusal Mendis
On middle and off, pushed towards mid on. A wicket and 4 runs from the Hulk's opener.
1.5
2
Marcus Stoinis To Kusal Mendis
A short ball, around off, Kusal Mendis gets across and looks to pull but is cramped for room. Gets it off the glove through fine leg. Excellent work by Nathan Ellis as he charges to his right from deep backward square leg and dives to push the ball away, saving the boundary. Keeps the batters to a couple.
1.4
1
Marcus Stoinis To Pathum Nissanka
Hurrying the batter, who manages to push it to the off side for a quick run.
1.3
1
Marcus Stoinis To Kusal Mendis
Very full, outside off, Mendis eases this through point for a single.
Australia manage to strike with the new ball. One Kusal replaces another as Mendis walks in at number 3, replacing Perera.
1.2
W
Marcus Stoinis To Kusal Perera OUT!
OUT! CAUGHT! The Sanath Jayasuriya version of the current generation departs cheaply. A short ball, outside off, there to be hit and Perera does hit it. Goes hard at that, but the extra bounce does him in. The ball hits the higher part of the bat and goes very high in the air. Also, he has to reach out for the ball as well, which reduces the power on the shot. Nathan Ellis is waiting for it patiently at deep point and takes the catch. Stoinis has a look at the batter, as if to give a send off, but Perera is not interested. SRI LANKA ARE 8/1. Equation - 174 RUNS, 112 BALLS!
1.1
0
Marcus Stoinis To Kusal Perera
Excellent work by Josh Inglis. On a length, outside off, Kusal Perera looks to cut but is too close to the ball. Gets a bottom edge which flies past the off stump, heading towards fine leg but the keeper dives to his right and makes a stunning stop.
Interesting over. Dew is certainly present and the ball has certainly started to come onto the bat a lot nicely as compared to the first innings. Marcus Stoinis will share the new ball.
End Of The Over 1 : 8/0
8 Runs
- 00.1
- 10.2
- 10.3
- 60.4
- 00.5
- 00.6
P. Nissanka
7 (5)
K. Perera
1 (1)
X. Bartlett
1-0-8-0
0.6
0
Xavier Bartlett To Pathum Nissanka
The length is held back a touch. Outside off, PN looks to punch but misses. The bowler is interested in the caught behind appeal, but none of his mates look to agree. 8 from the opening over and the Lankans are up and running.
0.5
0
Xavier Bartlett To Pathum Nissanka
Half volley, wide outside off, Pathum drives it beautifully again, but finds cover in his way.
0.4
6
Xavier Bartlett To Pathum Nissanka
SIX! Bye bye ball! Full and straight, sliding onto the pads, Pathum Nissanka uses the extra pace and flicks this beautifully over backward square leg. There is a fielder at the ropes but the ball flies way over! 174 more needed from 116 balls.
0.3
1
Xavier Bartlett To Kusal Perera
Full, around middle and leg, Kusal Perera comes forward and looks to flick but is squared up as the ball moves away a bit. Gets a leading edge which flies through point. No one to catch that as the fielder is at the ropes. A run taken.
0.2
1
Xavier Bartlett To Pathum Nissanka
On a length, outside off, skidding through, Nissanka hops back and steers it behind point to get off the mark with a single.
0.1
0
Xavier Bartlett To Pathum Nissanka
On a length, around off, Pathum Nissanka is watchful in defense.
0
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Match Info
- Venue Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
- Weather Clear
- Toss Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field
- Result Sri Lanka beat Australia by 8 wickets
- Player of the Match Pathum Nissanka
- Umpire Ahsan Raza (PAK), Richard Kettleborough (ENG) and Asif Yaqoob (PAK)
- Referee Dean Cosker (ENG)
Match Notes
- Innings Break: Australia 181/10 in 20.0 overs
- G Maxwell dropped on 16 by P Nissanka in 15.2 overs
- Australia 150/4 in 14.5 overs
- Drinks: Australia 136/4 in 14.0 overs
- Referral 1 (13.1 ovs): SL against M Marsh (LBW) Successful (SL: 2, AUS: 2)
- M Marsh 10th T20I fifty: 50 runs in 25 balls (8x4) (2x6)
- 1st wkt Partnership: 104 off 50 balls between M Marsh (47) and T Head (56)
- Australia 104/0 in 8.2 overs
- T Head 21st T20I fifty: 50 runs in 27 balls (7x4) (2x6)
- Drinks: Australia 70/0 in 6.0 overs
- Mandatory Power play (1-6): Australia 70/0
- 1st wkt Partnership: 50 off 30 balls between M Marsh (14) and T Head (35)
- Australia 50/0 in 4.6 overs
- P Nissanka 2nd T20I hundred: 100 runs in 52 balls (10x4) (5x6)
- 3rd wkt Partnership: 50 off 25 balls between P Nissanka (25) and P Rathnayake (24)
- Sri Lanka 151/2 in 15.6 overs
- Drinks: Sri Lanka 121/2 in 14.0 overs
- P Nissanka T20I fifty: 50 runs in 32 balls (5x4) (2x6)
- Sri Lanka 100/1 in 11.2 overs
- K Mendis 20th T20I fifty: 50 runs in 35 balls (6x4) (1x6)
- 2nd wkt Partnership: 104 off 50 balls between P Nissanka (31) and K Mendis (20)
- Drinks: Sri Lanka 61/1 in 6.0 overs
- Mandatory Power play (1-6): Sri Lanka 61/1
- P Nissanka dropped on 34 by J Inglis in 5.6 overs
- Sri Lanka 52/1 in 5.1 overs
- Referral 1 (3.5 ovs): AUS against K Mendis (LBW) Unsuccessful (SL: 2, AUS: 1)
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