Australia National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: Co-host Sri Lanka sealed a place in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup with a commanding eight-wicket win over Australia in a group league match on Monday, February 16, 2026. Open batter Pathum Nissanka led the chase with a brilliant unbeaten hundred as Sri Lanka overhauled a target of 182 with two overs to spare. Nissanka scored 100 not out from 52 balls, hitting 10 fours and five sixes, and put the Australian attack under constant pressure.
He shared a decisive 97-run stand for the second wicket with Kusal Mendis, who made 51 from 38 balls. Sri Lanka finished on 184 for 2 in 18 overs to complete a comfortable chase.
Earlier, Australia rode on half-centuries from Mitchell Marsh (54) and Travis Head (56) to reach 104 without loss. However, the innings lost momentum after the openers were dismissed, and Australia were bowled out for 181 in 20 overs.
Sri Lanka’s spinners played a key role in the collapse. Leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha returned figures of 3 for 37, while fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera picked up two wickets. Australia lost their last four wickets for just six runs.
The defeat was Australia’s second in the group stage and has left it facing the risk of an early exit from the tournament.
Australia National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Match Scorecard:
Australia 181 all out in 20 overs (Marsh 54, Head 56; Hemantha 3/37) lost to Sri Lanka 184/2 in 18 overs (Nissanka 100 not out, Mendis 51) by eight wickets.
