In a stunning upset at Pallekele, Sri Lanka crushed Australia by 8 wickets in the T20 World Cup 2026, propelled by Pathum Nissanka’s explosive unbeaten century. The opener smashed 100 runs off just 52 balls, featuring 5 sixes and 10 fours, becoming the first player to score a T20 World Cup hundred against Australia.
Nissanka’s knock eclipsed previous efforts, notably Umar Akmal’s 94 in 2014. He now jointly holds the record for Sri Lanka’s highest T20 World Cup innings with Mahela Jayawardene’s 100 against Zimbabwe in 2010. Jayawardene also notched 98* against West Indies that year, while Tillakaratne Dilshan hit 96* in 2009.
Completing his ton in 52 balls, Nissanka matched his feat against India in Dubai earlier in 2025. In T20Is, he ranks second among Sri Lankans for fastest centuries, trailing only Kusal Perera’s blistering 44-ball effort against New Zealand in 2025.
Australia posted 181 thanks to a century stand between captain Mitchell Marsh (54) and Travis Head (56). But Sri Lanka chased it down in 18 overs, with Kusal Mendis adding 51 to Nissanka’s masterclass.
This marks Sri Lanka’s third World Cup win over Australia across formats, following the iconic 1996 ODI final triumph by 7 wickets and a 2009 T20 victory by 6 wickets. Nissanka’s fireworks have ignited Sri Lanka’s campaign, signaling their intent in the tournament.