Fans go wild as Pathum Nissanka smashes century to take Sri Lanka into the Super 8 with a win over Australia

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 witnessed a sensational night in Pallekele as Sri Lanka stormed into the Super 8 stage with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Australia. The hero of the evening was opener Pathum Nissanka, whose breathtaking unbeaten century sent fans into a frenzy and sealed a memorable triumph.

Australia post competitive 181 after a strong start

After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Sri Lanka faced an early challenge as Australia’s top order came out firing. Captain Mitchell Marsh smashed 54 off 27 deliveries, while Travis Head struck a blistering 56 off 29 balls. The pair shared a century stand that put Sri Lanka on the back foot during the powerplay.

However, Sri Lanka clawed their way back through disciplined bowling. Dushan Hemantha delivered a game-changing spell, claiming three crucial wickets, including Marsh and Head. Support from Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana ensured Australia were restricted to 181 all out in 20 overs.

Despite late cameos from Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis, Australia’s middle and lower order faltered under pressure.

Pathum Nissanka’s century lights up Pallekele

Chasing 182, Sri Lanka lost Kusal Perera early, but what followed was a masterclass from Pathum Nissanka. Displaying impeccable timing and composure, Nissanka anchored the innings while accelerating seamlessly.

He remained unbeaten on a stunning 100 off just 52 balls, peppering the boundary ropes with 10 fours and five sixes. His strike rate of over 190 highlighted the dominance he exerted over the Australian attack.

Partnered by Kusal Mendis, who contributed a fluent 51, Nissanka built a decisive partnership that turned the tide firmly in Sri Lanka’s favor. The duo added 97 runs, neutralizing Australia’s bowlers and maintaining control throughout the chase.

After Mendis’ dismissal, Nissanka found another able ally in Pavan Rathnayake, who chipped in with a brisk 28 not out. The pair guided Sri Lanka to 184 for 2 in just 18 overs, sealing victory with two overs to spare.

Australia’s bowlers, including Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis, struggled to find breakthroughs once Nissanka settled in. Marcus Stoinis was the only bowler to make inroads, picking up two wickets, but it was insufficient to halt Sri Lanka’s charge.

The emphatic win secured Sri Lanka’s place in the Super 8 stage and sparked wild celebrations among fans at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Chants echoed across the stands as Nissanka raised his bat to acknowledge the roaring crowd.

Also READ: Janhvi Kapoor, Ajay Devgn and other Bollywood celebs react to India’s thumping win over Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026

Here’s how fans reacted:

Pathum Nissanka…Woooww
#AusVsSL
— Jawwad (@_JA28) February 16, 2026

Pathum Nissanka, what an amazing knock. As clean as it can get.#slvsaus
— Arpit (@ArpitMittal108) February 16, 2026

Pathum nissanka 🔥🔥💥🫡
— Barfiii…….!!! (@dr_dootha) February 16, 2026

Impact of Pathum Nissanka! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Tjg4PgMfWa
— Khan (@ccricket713) February 16, 2026

🚨 PATHUM NISSANKA – FIRST BATTER TO SCORE A HUNDRED IN 2026 T20 WORLD CUP. pic.twitter.com/g5WLVKMbIy
— RCBian (@EhDiya) February 16, 2026

Pathum nissanka take bow man what a hunder in just 52 against mighty Aussies and cementing SL’s for super 8s bravado.
— 🇮🇳Raj (@RajIndia__) February 16, 2026

One of the best T20I innings from Pathum Nissanka…..just beautiful ❤️🔥👏👏👏 #T20WorldCup #AusVsSL
— AA (@photuuu99) February 16, 2026

🚨 PATHUM NISSANKA – FIRST BATTER TO SCORE A HUNDRED IN 2026 T20 WORLD CUP. 🚨
Wat a innings stand and salute 🫡
Australia 🇦🇺 are in edge of the seat to get eliminated from tournament #T20WorldCup #AUSvsSL pic.twitter.com/fVwB93AgtI
— lokesh logu (@lokiMSD93) February 16, 2026

Ohhh Pathum Nissanka, wow!!! Just wow!!!#SLvsAUS #SLvAUS #T20WorldCup #ICCMensT20WorldCup2026 #PathumNissanka
— Wudbeiser (@__beinghooman__) February 16, 2026

A stunning chase as Sri Lanka have qualified for the Super 8 stage 🔥💪#T20WorldCup2026 #AUSvsSL
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/saxNeAaQuV pic.twitter.com/klpBditrBM
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 16, 2026

The first hundred of this year’s T20 World Cu. – Pathum Nissanka, take a bow. What an unbelievable chase this has been. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/trdlfSLrNW
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) February 16, 2026