Kandy, Feb 16 (NationPress) After leading Sri Lanka into the Super 8 stage with a phenomenal undefeated century, Pathum Nissanka, named Player of the Match, shared his excitement about playing his natural game on an excellent batting surface. He expressed his joy at steering his team to victory with a match-winning hundred.

Nissanka achieved a stunning score of 100 not out from just 52 deliveries, propelling Sri Lanka to a convincing eight-wicket victory over Australia in the 30th match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. In pursuit of 182 runs, the co-hosts accomplished their highest-ever T20 chase at this venue with remarkable flair.

Reflecting on the run chase, Nissanka stated, “The wicket was quite favorable today, which enabled me to play my natural game. I am incredibly happy to have scored a hundred and to bring my team home.” He further added, “We required a solid Power-play. Kusal Mendis and I formed a really productive partnership in the middle, and from that point, it was about sustaining my innings and guiding my team across the finish line.”

Commenting on the playing conditions, he noted, “Typically, batting second here in Pallekele is a bit easier, and the pitch seemed to improve as the game went on.” He also observed, “There wasn’t much dew tonight.”

Regarding his form, Nissanka explained, “I was primarily waiting for the balls to come into my hitting zone. I was fortunate to receive several deliveries that suited my strengths, allowing me to send them to the boundary.”

Despite losing Kusal Perera early in the second over to Marcus Stoinis, Sri Lanka started strongly with aggressive batting from Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, reaching 61/1 in the Power-play — marking their third-best performance against Australia in T20Is.

The pivotal moment of the innings was the 87-run partnership between Nissanka and Mendis for the second wicket, which stands as the best for Sri Lankan players against Australia in T20Is.

Both players achieved their half-centuries in quick succession, with Nissanka becoming just the third Sri Lankan to score 50 or more runs in T20 World Cups (Nissanka has 6), tying with Tillakaratne Dilshan and just one behind Mahela Jayawardene (7). Mendis followed suit with his 5th half-century in T20 World Cup history.

Batting first, Australia started at an exhilarating pace, with Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head forming a 104-run opening partnership in just 52 balls, achieving an impressive 70/0 in the Power-play — Australia’s fourth-highest in T20 World Cup history. Marsh (54) and Head (56) dominated the Sri Lankan bowlers until spinners were introduced, which changed the tide of the match.

Dushan Hemantha claimed two wickets, dismissing Head and Marsh, while Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis contributed as Australia collapsed, losing eight wickets for 72 runs. Hemantha finished with outstanding figures of 3-37.

During the chase, the momentum shifted to Sri Lanka when Nissanka struck Stoinis for 20 runs in his final and 15th over, featuring three boundaries and a six. Although Mendis fell for 51, Pavan Rathnayake played a steady innings and ultimately scored the winning runs.

Nissanka’s century, accomplished in just 52 balls, received a thunderous standing ovation. He became only the second Sri Lankan opener to score a hundred in a T20 World Cup, securing a vital win and a much-deserved spot in the Super 8 for the co-hosts.