New Delhi: Sri Lanka handed Australia a crushing eight-wicket defeat in their third Group B match of the T20 World Cup at Pallekele Stadium on Monday, pushing the Aussies to the verge of elimination.
With this loss, Australia’s qualification hopes now depend on other results. If Zimbabwe defeat Ireland in Tuesday’s fixture, Australia will be knocked out of the tournament.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bowl first. Australia were bowled out for 181 in 20 overs despite a solid opening stand. Travis Head scored 56, while Mitchell Marsh made 54 as the duo stitched together a century partnership. Josh Inglis contributed 27 and Glenn Maxwell added 22. Dushan Hemantha picked up three wickets, while Dushmantha Chameera claimed two.
In reply, Sri Lanka chased down the 182-run target comfortably in 18 overs for the loss of just two wickets. Pathum Nissanka smashed an unbeaten 100 off 52 balls, hitting 10 fours and five sixes to register the first century of the tournament. Kusal Mendis supported him with a fluent 51-run knock.
Marcus Stoinis was the only successful Australian bowler, taking two wickets, but it was not enough to prevent a dominant Sri Lankan victory.
