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Sri Lanka's Spin Attack Stuns Australia, Bowls Them Out for 181 in T20 WC

After a blazing start from Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, who put on 104 for the first wicket, Australia collapsed dramatically against Sri Lanka's spin attack. Dushan Hemantha was instrumental, taking key wickets including both set batters to finish with 3-37. The hosts applied relentless pressure in the middle and death overs, with Australia losing their last eight wickets for a mere 72 runs. Sri Lanka's fielding also played a part, highlighted by a spectacular catch from Pathum Nissanka to dismiss Glenn Maxwell.

Key Points: Sri Lanka Bowl Out Australia for 181 in T20 World Cup Clash

  • Marsh & Head's 104-run opening stand
  • Sri Lankan spinners trigger dramatic collapse
  • Hemantha takes 3-37, his T20I best
  • Australia lose last 8 wickets for just 72 runs
2 min read

T20 WC: Clinical Sri Lanka halt Australia to 181 in Kandy after Marsh, Head fifties

Mitchell Marsh & Travis Head hit fifties but Sri Lanka's clinical bowling, led by Dushan Hemantha's 3-37, restricts Australia to 181 all out in Kandy.

"Australia completely lost their ground in the last overs, losing the last eight wickets for 72 runs. - Match Report"

Kandy, Feb 16

Skipper Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head scored fifties, but a clinical bowling display from Sri Lanka reduced visitors to 181 all out in 20 overs in the 30th match of the ICC Men's World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy on Monday.

Asked to bat first on a pacy wicket, skipper Marsh, who returned after an injury break, went all around the ground with opener Travis Head, stitching an opening partnership of 104 runs off 52 deliveries. Australia recorded their fourth-highest Power-play total in T20 World Cup history, scoring 70/0 in the first six overs.

Marsh (54) and Head (56) showcased their power-hitting skills, taking all the bowlers to cleaners, including a 20-run sixth over that put pressure on the co-hosts. This aggressive play not only lit up Pallekele but also left Sri Lanka struggling, with Matheesha Pathirana having to leave the field due to a left leg injury.

Head, being the aggressor, brought up his fifty in 27 deliveries but soon lost his wicket to Dushan Hemantha, carving it to long-off in an attempt for a maximum. However, Marsh continued his demolishing act, and he too brought his fifty in 25 deliveries and followed Head's suit as he was trapped in front by Hemantha again after Dunith Wellalage removed Cameron Green for mere 3 runs.

Sri Lankan spinners were key, including Hemantha, Wellalage, and Kamindu Mendis, who removed dangerous Tim David (6) with a flighted delivery.

The momentum changed quickly as the hosts applied pressure with steady spin bowling. Australia fell behind and reached 136/4 at the end of 14 overs. With each dot ball and wicket, the crowd supported Sri Lanka, cheering loudly and boosting the energy in the stadium.

Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell looked to counterattack and managed to get some, but Maxwell was undone by Pathum Nissanka's screamer after he had dropped a sitter off Dushmantha Chameera in the previous over. Guiding the backward point, Nissanka jumped on his left to take a blinder after Maxwell (22) looked to play it over him. Hemantha ended his spell with figures of 3/37, which is now his best in T20Is.

Australia completely lost their ground in the last overs, losing the last eight wickets for 72 runs.

Brief scores:

Australia 181 all out in 20 overs (Travis Head 56, Mitchell Marsh 54; Dushan Hemantha 3-37, Dushmantha Chameera 2-33) against Sri Lanka

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Marsh and Head's start was terrifying! 70 in the powerplay is huge. But classic subcontinent lesson for Australia – you need to play spin well to win here. The crowd support in Kandy must have been electric! Hope Pathirana's injury isn't serious.
R
Rohit P
As an Indian fan, this is a good result for the tournament dynamics. Australia losing early momentum is always interesting. But honestly, 181 is still a very competitive total on that ground. Sri Lanka's batting needs to be clinical now. No room for complacency.
S
Sarah B
The collapse from 109/0 to 181 all out is a bit shocking for a team like Australia. They lost 8 wickets for 72 runs. The middle order just had no answer to the spin. Great captaincy and bowling changes by Sri Lanka after that brutal start.
K
Karthik V
Nissanka's catch to dismiss Maxwell was the turning point! That was a blinder. Fielding wins you these tight games. Hemantha was the star with the ball though. 3-37 on a flat track after such a start is outstanding. Hope our Indian spinners were watching 👀
M
Michael C
Respectful criticism: The article focuses a lot on the Sri Lankan comeback (which was great), but doesn't analyze Australia's poor shot selection enough after the openers fell. They seemed to panic against the spin. That's where the match was lost.

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