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- AUS vs SL highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: Sri Lanka beat Australia by 8 wickets to enter Super Eight
AUS vs SL highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: Sri Lanka beat Australia by 8 wickets to enter Super Eight
Australia will be eliminated if Zimbabwe beat Ireland on Tuesday.
Chasing 182, Sri Lanka rode on Nissanka’s breathtaking 100 not out off just 52 balls, an innings studded with 10 fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 192.31. He anchored the chase to perfection, first stitching a 97-run stand with Kusal Mendis and then finishing the job in style alongside Pavan Rathnayake. The hosts raced to 184/2 in just 18 overs, maintaining a run rate of 10.22.
Earlier, Australia posted a competitive 181 all out in their 20 overs after a blazing start. Skipper Mitchell Marsh (54 off 27) and Travis Head (56 off 29) tore into the Sri Lankan attack during a 104-run opening stand inside nine overs. At 104/0, Australia looked set for a mammoth total.
However, Sri Lanka clawed their way back through Dushan Hemantha, who removed Head and later dismissed Marsh and Glenn Maxwell to finish with impressive figures of 3/37. Dunith Wellalage accounted for Cameron Green, while Dushmantha Chameera chipped in with two crucial wickets, including Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis. From 116/3, Australia kept losing wickets at regular intervals and failed to capitalise fully on their explosive start, eventually folding for 181.
In response, Sri Lanka suffered an early blow when Kusal Perera fell cheaply, but Nissanka quickly settled into rhythm. Mendis provided solid support with a fluent 51 off 38 balls before falling to Stoinis. By then, the platform had been laid. Rathnayake’s brisk 28 off 15 balls ensured there were no late hiccups as Sri Lanka completed the chase with 12 balls to spare.
First Zimbabwe, and now Sri Lanka — Australia’s campaign has unravelled dramatically. Once favourites, they now face the prospect of an early exit, while Sri Lanka march into the Super Eight with momentum firmly on their side.
Maheesh Theekshana to Travis Head, Full, around middle, angling down, Travis Head leans and pushes it towards mid on but the bowler cuts it off to his left.
Jeez, that's a big first over for the visitors. But mind you, they got off to a rollicking start against Zimbabwe as well. 'Bring on spin', says Angelo Mathews on air and he has his wish. Maheesh Theekshana to bowl.
- Mitchell Marsh 11 (4)
- Travis Head 5 (2)
Dushmantha Chameera to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! MUSCLED! Fractionally short by Chameera, on off, Mitchell Marsh plays from the crease and clubs it sweetly over long on for a cracking six. A flying start for the Aussies. 16 runs from the opening over.
Dushmantha Chameera to Travis Head, A slight appeal for LBW, but the umpire walks away! Pitched in and around the leg stump, on a good length, shaping back in. Travis Head is tucked up for space and tries to work it across the line on the back foot. Gets a thick inside edge and is rapped on the thigh pad. The ball then deflects to short third and they get a run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Travis Head, FOUR! That's some way to get the first runs! Too full from Chameera, trying to get the inswing, but he errs in line as it is speared on the pads. Travis Head picks it up neatly and whips it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mitchell Marsh, A fraction fuller, on the stumps, Marsh firmly knocks it to mid on and steals a quick single.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! Australia and Marsh are off the mark! On a back of a length, shaping away outside off. Mitchell Marsh gets to free his arms and square cuts it through backward point, beating deep third's dive to his right for a boundary.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mitchell Marsh, A bit of a movement as Chameera is right on the money! Gentle outswing on a length, on off, Mitchell Marsh gets behind the line and bunts it to the off side.
Apa Sriiiiiii Lankaaaa, namo namo mathaa - Yes, those golden lines. Every Sri Lankan in the crowd is chuffed to bits. The national anthems have been sung and the home side is ready.The crowd is ready. Is the visiting side ready? The Lankans get into a huddle, and then disperse out. Past them, out come the Aussie opening pair of Travis Head and skipper Mitchell Marsh. Dushmantha Chameera will take the new ball in his hand and look to swing the ball upfront. Marsh to face. Here we go!
National anthems - The match officials and the two teams walk out for the anthems. It will be Australia's first, followed by that of the Lankans.
Just lean to our strengths - A few minutes before the toss, ace broadcaster Mark Howard caught up with Australia's TIM DAVID. The first question asked is the discussion after the Aussie loss to Zimbabwe, to which David calmly replies saying that it was just one of those games where things didn't go to plan. Adds that it is now about shifting their focus to this game, which is a big one. Does not feel it is a knockout for his side though. On the mantra for the turnaround, Tim says that the advice for the players is to just lean into their strengths and look at how they have played in the last 18 months. Further says that tonight is an opportunity to show that. On the pitch expectations, TD says that some of the Aussies had a hit out here last night and liked the pace. Expects the pitch to spin a little bit in the subcontinent. On being told that he started batting in T20s at 8, then moved upto 7 and is now at 4, which is a hefty promotion, Tim David agrees and says that he is absolutely enjoying his promotion. Calls it more responsibiity and more opportunity for him to score runs and put the team in a good position.
Every game in the World Cup is big - The skipper of Australia, MITCHELL MARSH, is first asked about his health. To which, Marsh smiles and says that all is okay and he is ready to go tonight. On this being a potential knockout for the Aussies, Mitch admits that it is but quickly adds that every game in the World Cup is a big one. The Bison honestly adds that the Aussies weren't at their best in the previous game and are looking forward to implement their learnings from that loss and be a lot better in this game. On the team changes, the skipper informs that himself, Cooper Connolly and Xavier Bartlett come in.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka(c), Kamindu Mendis, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
One of the most important games - The captain of Sri Lanka, DASUN SHANAKA, calls this as one of the most important games in the competition (for Sri Lanka) and is looking forward for the same. On the team news, Shanaka informs that they are going in with one change, with Kusal Perera coming in for Kamil Mishara. Short and sweet interview.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (IN FOR KAMIL MISHARA), Kusal Mendis (WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana.
Australia (Playing XI) - Mitchell Marsh (C) (IN FOR MATT RENSHAW), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim David, Josh Inglis (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly (IN FOR BEN DWARSHUIS), Xavier Bartlett (IN FOR MATTHEW KUHNEMANN), Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa.
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka wins toss, opts to field vs Australia
Since 2025, Travis Head’s returns in T20 Internationals have been surprisingly modest. The explosive opener, known for his aggressive stroke play, has averaged just 12.83 while scoring at a strike rate of 125.20. For a batter of his calibre, those figures underline a lean patch in the shortest format, especially considering his reputation as a big-match player.
In contrast, leg-spinner Adam Zampa has been remarkably consistent and economical. In 12 matches, he has picked up 21 wickets while conceding runs at an impressive economy rate of just 5.69. His ability to control the middle overs and break partnerships continues to make him one of Australia’s most dependable T20 bowlers.
History also tilts heavily in Australia’s favour against Sri Lanka in World Cup tournaments. Across both ODI and T20I editions, Australia have won 13 of their 15 encounters, underlining a long-standing dominance on cricket’s biggest stage.
Squads:
Australia Squad: Josh Inglis(w), Travis Head(c), Cameron Green, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Marsh, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Steven Smith
Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis(w), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka(c), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Pramod Madushan, Janith Liyanage
Where: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Probable XI: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matt Kuhnemann
Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara/Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
What they said ahead of the match:
"What I really like about this bunch and the entire 24 who I've worked with in the last three months is their ability to learn, willing to get better. There are a lot of positives." - R Sridhar on Sri Lanka players
"The boys are pretty disappointed with the result [against Zimbabwe], but we've got no one to blame but ourselves and obviously Zimbabwe played really well." - Marcus Stoinis
Smith had previously travelled to Sri Lanka as cover for captain Mitchell Marsh, who sat out Australia’s first two matches with a testicular injury.
The experienced batter trained with the squad on Sunday and remains in the mix for selection in the crucial encounter.
Although Smith has not featured in a T20I since February last year, he has enjoyed solid form in the format in domestic cricket.
There was further encouragement for the 2021 champions as Marsh also resumed training. The skipper had a batting session in the nets and participated in running as well as fielding drills on Sunday.
Australia’s campaign hangs by a thread after their 23-run loss to Zimbabwe, and victory over Sri Lanka on Monday is imperative to keep their hopes alive.
Senior Australia batter Steve Smith was on Monday cleared as a replacement for injured pacer Josh Hazlewood, just hours before his team’s must-win T20 World Cup clash against Sri Lanka.
With the approval, Smith becomes the 15th member of an Australia squad already plagued by injuries.
Sri Lanka replaced Kamil Mishara with Kusal Perera, while skipper Mitchell Marsh came back into the Australia XI after missing the side's first two matches, along with Cooper Connolly and Xavier Bartlett.
Pitch and Conditions:
Beautiful clear air, 24 degrees. 66 meters on one side, 68 on the other. 80 meters down the ground. 550 meters above sea level. It's a good pitch. You don't come to SL and expect to see a pitch without turn. Don't ask anymore. It will turn ever so slightly. It's a used pitch. You can see places with wear and tear which are patched up. Good covering of grass. Nice and hard. There's a lot more grass in line with the stumps than outside. There can be slight variable turn or pace on offer. Still think you can play your shots and enjoy yourself on this pitch.
Marsh: All okay, ready to go tonight. It's a big game, every game comes with great responsibility. Weren't at our best last game. Myself, Cooper Connolly and Xavier Bartlett come in.
Shanaka: We're going to bowl first. One of the most important games in the comp. One change - Kusal Perera comes in for Mishara.
Teams:
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana.
Match Statistics
Venue
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
