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Nissanka's Blazing Ton Joins Jayawardene in Elite T20 World Cup Club

Pathum Nissanka's unbeaten 52-ball century powered Sri Lanka to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Australia, securing their place in the Super Eight stage. His innings marked the second century by a Sri Lankan in T20 World Cup history, joining the legendary Mahela Jayawardene. The successful chase of 182 runs is the highest by Sri Lanka in the tournament and the highest ever against Australia in the T20 World Cup. This result leaves the 2021 champions Australia on the brink of elimination from the competition.

Key Points: Nissanka Century Powers Sri Lanka, Puts Australia on Brink

  • Nissanka's 52-ball century
  • Sri Lanka seals Super Eight spot
  • Australia faces elimination
  • Highest T20 WC chase vs Australia
  • Joins Mahela Jayawardene in elite list
3 min read

T20 World Cup: Nissanka joins Jayawardene in elite list with explosive ton against Australia

Pathum Nissanka's explosive 52-ball century seals Sri Lanka's Super Eight spot and pushes defending champions Australia toward T20 World Cup elimination.

"Nissanka cracked his second T20I century, helping the Lankan Lions chase 182 runs. - Match Report"

Pallekele, February 16

A scintillating century from Pathum Nissanka powered Sri Lanka to a sensational eight-wicket win over Australia in their group stage match during the ICC T20 World Cup at Pallekele on Monday, sealing their spot in the Super Eight stage while pushing the 2021 champions on the brink of elimination.

Nissanka cracked his second T20I century, helping the Lankan Lions chase 182 runs and making it three wins in three matches to seal their clash for the next round.

Also, the opener slammed the second century by a Sri Lankan batter in the ICC T20 World Cup, joining the legendary Mahela Jayawardene, who also cracked 100 against Zimbabwe back in the 2010 edition of the tournament.

This is the second-fastest T20I century by a Sri Lankan in T20Is, coming in 52 balls. The fastest T20I century by a Sri Lankan in T20Is is by Kusal Perera, who smashed a 44-ball ton against New Zealand in 2025.

In 87 matches and 86 innings, Nissanka has scored 2,574 runs at an average of 31.77, with a strike rate of 128.63, with two centuries and 18 fifties and a best score of 107.

This chase of 182 runs is the highest by the Sri Lankan team in the T20 World Cups and also the highest run-chase against Aussies in T20 WC history.

Coming to the match, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first. An 104-run stand between a returning skipper, Mitchell Marsh (54 in 27 balls, with eight fours and two sixes) started off things for Australia, but Aussies could not make the most of this perfect headstart as they were skittled out for 181 runs in 20 overs, with Josh Inglis (27 in 22 balls, with three fours) and Glenn Maxwell (22 in 15 balls, with a four and a six) being the only ones to touch the 20-run mark later.

Dushan Hemantha (3/37 in four overs) and Dushmantha Chameera (2/36 in four overs) were the top bowlers for Sri Lanka.

In the run-chase, Perera fell early, but Nissanka (100* in 52 balls, with 10 fours and five sixes), Kusal Mendis (51 in 38 balls, with six fours and a six), and Pavan Rathnayake (28* in 15 balls, with six fours) took Sri Lanka to the target with eight wickets and two overs left.

Australia is in third place in the group with a win and two losses, next to table-toppers SL and Zimbabwe, who have won both their matches. If Zimbabwe win their clash against Ireland on Tuesday, the Aussies will be out of the tournament.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Watching from the US, but grew up with cricket thanks to my Indian husband. This is why T20 is so thrilling! Nissanka was on fire. Feel a bit bad for Australia, but that's sport. Sri Lanka looks like a serious contender now.
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Aditya G
Joining Jayawardene's list is a huge achievement. Respect! But honestly, as an Indian supporter, I'm more worried about Australia potentially being knocked out early. A World Cup feels less exciting without a strong Aussie team to compete against. Hope Zimbabwe slips up.
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Priya S
Wah! Kya innings tha! 100 in 52 balls with 10 fours and 5 sixes... pure entertainment. Sri Lankan batting has been a joy to watch this tournament. Mendis played a perfect supporting role too. Our Indian bowlers will need to be at their absolute best.
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Michael C
The scorecard says Australia collapsed after a 104-run opening stand. That's poor middle-order batting. Credit to Sri Lanka's bowlers for pulling it back. Hemantha and Chameera were brilliant in the middle overs.
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Kavya N
Feeling happy for Sri Lanka! They play with so much heart. As an Indian, I always have a soft corner for our neighbours in cricket (except when they play us, of course 😄). Nissanka's celebration was so emotional. This is what World Cups are about!

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