Sri Lanka booked their place in the next round of the ICC T20 World Cup after a commanding eight-wicket victory over Australia, highlighted by a breathtaking unbeaten century from Pathum Nissanka.
After winning the toss and opting to field, Sri Lanka faced early pressure as Australia came out firing. Openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head dominated the powerplay, racing to 70 without loss. Head struck 56 while Marsh added 54 to lay a solid platform.
However, Sri Lanka staged an impressive comeback with the ball to restrict Australia to 181. Dushan Hemantha led the bowling effort with 3/27, while Dushmantha Chameera claimed 2/36. Support came from Kamindu Mendis (1/19), Dunith Wellalage (1/33), and Maheesh Theekshana (1/37). Josh Inglis contributed 27, while Glenn Maxwell added 22 for Australia.
Chasing 182 for victory, Sri Lanka delivered a clinical batting display, reaching 184/2 in just 18 overs. Nissanka was the star, smashing an unbeaten 100 off 52 balls, which included five sixes and ten fours. Kusal Mendis provided strong support with 51 off 36 deliveries, while Pavan Rathnayake finished unbeaten on 28.
For Australia, Marcus Stoinis took 2/46, but it was not enough to prevent Sri Lanka’s charge to victory.
Sri Lanka secured the win by eight wickets to advance in style.
England sealed qualification to the Super Eight stage with a 24-run victory over Italy in a high-scoring contest. Defending 203, England restricted Italy to 178.
Will Jacks starred with an unbeaten 53 and a wicket, while Sam Curran delivered an all-round performance, scoring 25 runs and taking three wickets to guide England home.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan kept their Super Eight hopes alive with a five-wicket win over UAE in New Delhi with one game now to play.
Azmatullah Omarzai produced a standout all-round display, taking 4/15 as Afghanistan restricted UAE to 160/9 in 20 overs. In reply, Afghanistan reached 162/5 with four balls to spare. Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 53, Omarzai added 40, and Darwish Rasooli chipped in with 33.
Afghanistan secured victory by five wickets.
