
In a thrilling encounter during the T20 World Cup 2026, Sri Lanka secured their place in the Super 8 stage with a remarkable eight-wicket victory over Australia. Pathum Nissanka made headlines by scoring the first century of this tournament, achieving an unbeaten 100 runs off just 52 balls, thus leading his team to chase down a target of 182 runs.
The match took place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, where Sri Lanka successfully chased down the target in just 18 overs. Nissanka’s performance was complemented by Kusal Mendis, who contributed a solid 50 runs. Together, they formed a formidable partnership, adding 97 runs to stabilize the innings and secure the victory for their side.
On the other hand, Australia started strongly, posting a quick 104-run opening partnership. However, they faltered quickly afterward, finishing with a total of just 181 runs. Dushan Hemantha was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, taking 3 wickets for 37 runs.
| Australia Innings | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Top Scorer (Head) | 56 | Out |
| Top Scorer (Marsh) | 54 | Out |
| Total | 181 | All Out |
Unfortunately, Sri Lanka encountered a setback as Matheesha Pathirana walked off the field with a calf strain after just four deliveries, leaving the team to adjust their strategy. This adds to the growing list of injuries affecting players during the tournament.
In another notable match, England secured their Super 8 spot with a narrow win against Italy. England posted 202 runs, with Will Jacks shining brightly with a blistering 53 off 22 balls. Italy, however, put up a commendable fight, ultimately falling short, with a total of 194 runs.
| England vs Italy | England Runs | Italy Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 202/7 | 194/7 |
As the tournament progresses, teams like Afghanistan are striving for survival in the Super 8 race. Their recent victory over the UAE has kept their hopes alive, although they are reliant on other match outcomes.
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 promises to be one of the most widely covered events, with innovative broadcasts ensuring that fans can stay updated on all matches through platforms like JioHotstar.
As the tournament unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate how the teams will perform in the Super 8 stage. With several intense matches ahead, the excitement continues to build as teams battle for cricket supremacy.






