Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka hailed his side’s commanding win over Australia in the T20 World Cup as “one of the best performances in recent past,” after an emphatic eight-wicket victory secured their place in the Super Eights.
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A breathtaking century from opener Pathum Nissanka set up the triumph, as he blasted an unbeaten 100 off 52 balls to chase down a record 182-run target at the Pallekele International Stadium. Sri Lanka completed the chase in just 18 overs, leaving Australia’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
“One of the best performances in the recent past. Happy about the way the first innings went,” Shanaka said at the presentation ceremony.
Despite losing pacer Matheesha Pathirana to a hamstring injury in his first over, Sri Lanka maintained intensity and belief throughout the contest.
“We were still very positive after losing Pathirana. Had the confidence and knew about the wicket. Everyone showed high body language and wanted to contribute. Missing Hasaranga and now Pathirana is a big miss, but we need to take the good things from here,” Shanaka added.
Nissanka found solid support in Kusal Mendis, who struck a fluent 51 off 38 balls, stitching together a decisive partnership that dismantled the Australian attack.
“We knew it was due,” Shanaka said of Nissanka’s knock. “There were a lot of discussions when we chose to bowl, but our group was confident. The boundaries are comparatively short here.”
Delighted with Sri Lanka’s progress, the skipper added: “Wonderful to qualify for the Super Eights. After many years, making it to the next round feels special. Hopefully, we’ll go on to reach the semis as well. Must thank the crowd.”
Nissanka credited the batting-friendly surface for his success.
“The wicket was pretty good today and I played my normal game. I’m happy I could get a hundred and take the team home,” he said.
“We needed a strong powerplay and got a good partnership with Kusal. After that, it was about continuing the innings and seeing it through.”
On whether the pitch improved in the second innings, Nissanka remarked: “Normally, it’s better at Pallekele when we bat second. It’s a bit easier chasing.”
Reflecting on his form, he added: “I was waiting for the ball to come into my areas. I’m happy I got those opportunities and converted them into boundaries.”
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh admitted his side was second-best on the night, despite believing 181 was a competitive total.
“I thought it was a competitive score. We probably left a few runs out there after the start we had. Credit to Sri Lanka — they outplayed us,” Marsh said.
“We lost our way towards the back end. Sri Lanka bowled well in those overs. We knew we were a few short. There are a lot of emotions in the room right now. We haven’t been at our best and it’s disappointing.”
