Pathum Nissanka (ICC Photo)

NEW DELHI: Opener Pathum Nissanka turned a challenging chase into a masterclass on Monday, smashing a blistering 100 not out off 52 balls to guide Sri Lanka to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Australia at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.The win not only secured Sri Lanka’s spot in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup but also left Australia’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread. Australia will be eliminated if Zimbabwe beat Ireland on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 182, Sri Lanka’s innings was anchored by Nissanka, who struck 10 fours and five sixes, and Kusal Mendis, who contributed a fluent 51 off 38 balls. The pair stitched together a 97-run partnership for the second wicket, keeping Sri Lanka comfortably ahead. Pavan Rathnayake added a quick 28 off 15 balls as the hosts raced to 184/2 in just 18 overs, maintaining a commanding run rate throughout.Australia, sent in to bat, got off to a flying start with Mitchell Marsh (54 off 27) and Travis Head (56 off 29) adding 104 runs in less than nine overs. Their power-hitting set Australia up for a total beyond 200, with boundaries and sixes flowing freely.However, Sri Lanka clawed their way back in the latter half of the innings. Leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha emerged as the standout bowler with figures of 3/37 in four overs, while Dushmantha Chameera and Dunith Wellalage picked up crucial wickets. Australia collapsed from 104/0 to 130/4 and eventually folded for 181. Pathum Nissanka also redeemed himself in the field, taking a brilliant diving catch to dismiss Glenn Maxwell.Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when Kusal Perera was caught at deep backward point, but Nissanka and Mendis ensured the chase remained under control. Even after Mendis’s dismissal by Marcus Stoinis, there was no stopping Nissanka, who carried the team over the line with 12 balls to spare.The result marks a dramatic turnaround for Sri Lanka, while Australia, who had earlier been humbled by Zimbabwe, now face a precarious path to the Super Eight. The hosts’ combination of explosive batting and clinical bowling proved too much for the Australians, highlighting Sri Lanka’s momentum and Australia’s vulnerability in the tournament.

Basketball players are some of the highest NIL earners in college sports. Their impressive earnings lessen the need to declare for the NBA draft after the freshman year.

With March Madness around the corner, let’s look at the five highest-earning men’s college basketball athletes.

Top 5 men’s college basketball athletes with highest NIL valuation

5. Donovan Dent, Guard, UCLA Bruins – $2 million

Donovan Dent made the move from New Mexico to UCLA during the offseason. The flamboyant guard averaged 20.4 points per game as a junior last season.

According to Fox Sports, Dent received a $3 million NIL deal to transfer to UCLA in March. He received $2 million of that deal up front, while he’ll earn $1 million during the ongoing 2025-26 season. He currently averages 13.5 points per game with the Bruins.

4. Boogie Fland, Guard, Florida Gators – $2.1 million

Boogie Fland initially declared for the 2025 NBA draft. However, the former Arkansas star removed his name from consideration and decided to take his talent to Florida.

According to Fox Sports, Fland’s move to Florida was sweetened by an NIL package worth $2.1 million. He currently averages 11.3 points per game and is looking to improve his stock ahead of the 2026 draft.

3. Yaxel Lendeborg, Forward, Michigan Wolverines – $2.3 million

Yaxel Lendeborg was initially set to enter the 2025 NBA draft. However, the versatile forward removed his name from consideration in late May.

According to CBS, Lendeborg’s NIL package from Michigan is valued at $2-3 million. He is averaging 14.4 points in the 2025-26 season.

2. JT Toppin, Forward, Texas Tech Red Raiders – $2.8 million

JT Toppin was the star of the show as the Texas Tech Red Raiders reached the Elite Eight in the 2024-25 season. He scored 18.2 points per game and was the school’s go-to bucket getter in high-stakes situations.

The Red Raiders made Toppin one of the highest earners in collegiate sports to ensure he sticks around for the 2025-26 season. He’s currently averaging 21.9 points as Texas Tech looks to make a deeper postseason run.

1. AJ Dybantsa, Forward – BYU Cougars – $4.4 million

AJ Dybantsa got paid a major bag to start his collegiate basketball career at BYU. According to On3 Sports, Dybantsa is valued at $4.4 million.

The skillful forward reportedly has sponsorship deals with Red Bull and Nike. He’s living up to expectations on the court with 24.4 points per game, and he’ll likely go one-and-done at the end of the 2025-26 season.