Colombo, Feb 12 (NationPress) Sri Lanka showcased an impressive display to secure a commanding 105-run victory against Oman during their Group B encounter in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

After setting a formidable score of 225/5 while batting first, the home team bowled with precision to limit Oman to 120/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

Chosen to bat first by Oman’s skipper Jatinder Singh, Sri Lanka wasted no time asserting their dominance. Key contributions came from explosive half-centuries by Pavan Rathnayake (60 off 28), Kusal Mendis (61 off 45), and captain Dasun Shanaka (50 off 20), whose remarkable efforts propelled the team to a daunting total.

The innings began briskly with Kamil Mishara finding the boundary early, though Oman struck back quickly, with Jay Odedra dismissing Mishara for 8. Pathum Nissanka and Mendis built a steady foundation until Sufyan Mehmood trapped Nissanka lbw for 13, leaving Sri Lanka at 58 for 2 after the powerplay.

From there, Rathnayake and Mendis accelerated the scoring with a strategic partnership. Rathnayake’s aggressive play, particularly against spin, was evident during a 17-run tenth over that included two no-balls and a free-hit boundary. He celebrated his maiden T20I fifty in style, finishing with 60 before being bowled by Jiten Ramanandi.

Mendis played the role of anchor, employing innovative shots to keep the scoreboard moving. His impressive 61 ensured Sri Lanka maintained momentum as they approached the death overs.

The final overs belonged to captain Dasun Shanaka, who unleashed a stunning assault, hitting five sixes and two fours in a quick-fire 50 off just 20 balls, marking the fastest by a Sri Lankan in T20Is. His explosive hitting, along with Kamindu Mendis’s three towering sixes in the closing overs, propelled Sri Lanka to an imposing 225/5.

In pursuit of a challenging target, Oman’s innings struggled from the outset. The quick dismissals of top-order batsmen Aamir Kaleem (6) and Jatinder Singh (1) in the initial two overs set a challenging tone for their chase. Despite a determined half-century from Mohammad Nadeem (53* off 56), Oman found it difficult to establish partnerships or gain momentum.

Wasim Ali provided some resistance with a brisk 27 off 20 balls, but consistent wickets and tight bowling from Sri Lanka’s pace attack proved crucial. Dushmantha Chameera was the standout bowler, taking 2-19 in just two overs, while Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage contributed with vital breakthroughs.

Run-outs and catches further impeded Oman's progress, resulting in them finishing at 120/9, well short of the target.

Sri Lanka’s comprehensive performance highlighted their intent and quality, sending a resounding message during the group stage as they continue their campaign on a positive note.

Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 225/5 in 20 ov (Kusal Mendis 61, Pavan Rathnayake 60, Dasun Shanaka 50; Jiten Ramanandi 2-41) beat Oman 120/9 in 20 ov (Mohammad Nadeem 53*, Wasim Ali 27; Maheesh Theekshana 2-11, Dushmantha Chameera 2-19) by 105 runs.