Sri Lanka beat Australia by eight wickets at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Monday, February 16 in a Group B match of T20 World Cup 2026. With their third consecutive win, Sri Lanka also confirmed their place in the Super 8 round of the ICC event. They have six points and a run rate of +2.462.
Bowling first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka conceded 181 runs in 20 overs. Mitchell Marsh (54 off 27) and Travis Head (56 off 29) hit half-centuries for Australia. For Sri Lanka, Dushan Hemantha claimed 3-37. The Lankans romped home in the chase as Pathum Nissanka smashed 100* off 52 balls, while Kusal Mendis hit 51 off 38 and Pavan Rathnayake 28* off 15.
For Australia, this was their second loss in as many games, putting serious question marks over their chances of qualifying for the Super 8 round of the T20 World Cup. The Aussies are currently third in the points table in Group B, with two points and a net run rate of +0.414.
To qualify for the Super 8 round of T20 World Cup 2026, Australia will have to beat Oman in their last group match and also hope that other results go their way. If Zimbabwe win one of their remaining two group games against Sri Lanka or Ireland, they will move up to six points and knock Australia out of the tournament.
On the other than, if Zimbabwe lose both of their remaining group games and Australia beat Oman, Australia, Zimbabwe and Ireland will finish the group stage with four points each. The net run rate will then decide which team progresses to the Super 8 stage.
Australia, Zimbabwe & Ireland: List of remaining Group B matches in T20 World Cup 2026
Australia’s last group match in T20 World Cup 2026 will be against Oman in Pallekele on February 20. Zimbabwe, who have two group games left, will face Ireland in Pallekele on February 17 and Sri Lanka in Colombo on February 19.
February 17: Ireland vs Zimbabwe, Pallekele (3pm)
February 19: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, RPS Colombo (3pm)
February 20: Australia vs Oman, Pallekele (7pm)
Apart from Sri Lanka, India, West Indies, England and South Africa have also qualified for the Super 8 round of T20 World Cup 2026.
Edited by Renin Wilben Albert