Pallekele International Cricket Stadium witnessed a thrilling T20 World Cup clash on Monday as Australia posted a formidable 181/8 against Sri Lanka, setting them a challenging target of 182 runs. Despite losing the toss and being put in to bat, the Australian openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head unleashed a blistering 104-run partnership off just 8.3 overs, giving their team a dream start.
Sri Lanka tops Group B with two wins from two, while Australia sits third after one win and one loss, with Zimbabwe leading on perfect record. Head fell for a explosive 56 off 29 balls, smashing three sixes and seven fours, but his dismissal triggered a middle-order collapse. Australia slipped to 130/4 before captain Marsh anchored with 54 off 27, featuring eight fours and two sixes.
Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell steadied the ship with a quick 30-run stand for the fifth wicket. Inglis smashed 27 off 22 with three sixes, while Maxwell made 22 off 15. Sri Lanka’s Dusun Hemantha starred with 3/27, supported by Dushmantha Chameera’s 2 wickets. Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, and Kamindu Mendis picked one each.
This high-stakes encounter in Pallekele promises edge-of-the-seat action as Sri Lanka chases victory to solidify their group lead. Australia’s bowling attack, led by Marsh, will look to defend the total on a batsman-friendly pitch. Fans are glued to their screens for what could be a group-defining chase.